My OVERWHELMING Week, the third in the Annabelle-Please-Don't-Tell series of chapter books, continues the development of Annabelle and her younger brother (Andrew) as they face another exciting week with their friends and family. Throughout 120 pages, Annabelle is a realistic, humorous, and somewhat unreliable first-person narrator. Readers are treated to varying perspectives of a diverse group of characters. Many illustrations help to convey individual personalities, and highlight emotional content ranging from despair to determination to empowerment to achievement -often accompanied by Annabelle's humorous wonderment about her life and the people it. Children will find some of their own anxieties expressed and redirected toward resolution. Characters experience moments of feeling overwhelmed. A new boy (Carlos), in Annabelle's third-grade class, has been bullied and pressured to give up his favorite activity. Kayla has been teased about her dark skin. Carlos advises her, and the class reads about how to become stronger. Three friends help one another reach personal goals. Other issues are explored including competition, loss of a family member, and much more. Readers speculate if, and how, the week's challenges will be met. A sneak peek of Volume 4 (My DANGEROUS Week) promises a continuation of the characters' growth, which progresses at a rate of approximately one year per three books. The series offers strong English vocabulary, grammar, and syntax as well as academic content across disciplines. In this volume, Andrew enters pre-school, Annabelle develops a global perspective, and Carlos introduces Spanish vocabulary. Among special interests introduced are ballet and karate. Tricks are shared, such as how to memorize. Discussion is encouraged with questions at the end of the book. The website offers free, supportive activities and information for children, teachers, and other adults.
