Read aloud to a group of first and second graders. This was really cute, if not overly deep, and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series with them. I love the concept of a series that develops through the work of so many different authors, and can lend a unique perspective to each of the kids in the grade. It also means the series can be completed much more quickly than if a single author were writing it!

Third grader Emma is definitely a relatable kiddo. She’s outgoing and determined to have a good year at a new school, but the arrival of her ex-bestie, Lucy, in her classroom totally throws her for a loop. I’m curious about how reading Lucy’s perspective will change my opinion of her - though once we got the full story from Emma, I was starting to feel pretty sympathetic already. 

I think the lessons Emma learns in Full Out are important - saying your piece even when you’re shy, making new friends, and starting to forgive and move on after incidents that feel like the End of the World when you’re in the moment.