"The protagonist's emotional transformation will resonate with readers. Generational bonds, notably the growth of the relationship between Laura and her grandmother, are beautifully depicted. With its humor and deep reverence for history, Allen's novel is an engaging treatment of the oft-told tale of looking within for beauty and strength."
School Library Journal "This is a lively approach to an issue that's come up recently in the news...and the historical aspect could help readers consider their own family lore that may not have made its way into written accounts."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Laura Dyson's sweet, sassy voice draws you into this delightful story of self-discovery and acceptance, unwavering friendship and the deep roots of one amazing family."
Donna Gephart, author of OLIVIA BEAN, TRIVIA QUEEN "Crystal Allen shows us how our relatives, even the ones we've never met, sometimes have a way of gently weaving a path to exactly who we're meant to be, our truest and best self."
Kathryn Fitzmaurice-author of THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY Praise for HOW LAMAR'S BAD PRANK WON A BUBBA-SIZED TROPHY: "Under all the braggadocio is a boy with a big heart, and from the first sentence Lamar will have readers hooked."
Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for HOW LAMAR'S BAD PRANK WON A BUBBA-SIZED TROPHY: "This stands out for its unusual setting and smooth integration of friendship and family concerns. "
Kirkus Reviews Praise for HOW LAMAR'S BAD PRANK WON A BUBBA-SIZED TROPHY: "The powerful mix of sibling rivalry, revenge, and hard-won redemption strengthens the perennial appeal of the naive-underdog-makes-good plot; readers will come for the laughs and stay for the laughs."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Praise for HOW LAMAR'S BAD PRANK WON A BUBBA-SIZED TROPHY: "The tween book world has a new hero-Lamar Washington-as well as a brilliant new author who's bound to win a Bubba-sized trophy herself!"
Neal Shusterman, author of THE SCHWA WAS HERE and BRUISER