Fang, Vicky. Ava Lin, Best Friend!. Vicky Fang, Illus. Ava Lin; bk. 1. Candlewick, 04/2024. 96pp. Reader. Trade $16.99. 978-1-5362-2969-1. Paper $5.99. 978-1536237269. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In this new early chapter book series, Chinese American Ava Lin is six-and-a-half and about to start first grade. She’s got everything she needs: new backpack, new pencils, and her treasure collection. But Ava doesn’t know how to make a best friend. As she’s navigating her new friendships, she also tests her mom’s patience after she leaves a crayon in her pocket that goes through the dryer, and hides a special pebble in her ear requiring a trip to the doctor. The font is large and clear on a white background, and the short chapters have fun black and white cartoon illustrations. Ava is an engaging character and will have a lot of appeal for beginning readers who are new to chapter books.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District