"The
vignettes form such a vivid portrait of Emma and Jessica that
readers may feel as if they personally know them—and a tense
turn of events will have readers holding their breath."
Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A
potent combination of accessibility and understanding, this will
work well as a readalone or a readaloud, offering sympathy to those
who are in the older-sib position and perspective to those who
aren’t." Bulletin, starred review
Jessica
shares the struggles of being the big sister in this
collection of 34 poignant poems...Spring-colored
line drawings in pen-and-ink and digital media are
filled with engaging details, expressive characters,
and lots of humor, and bring the family dynamics to
life while the verses build to a climactic situation
that brings these youngsters together in a touching
way. School Library Journal starred review
"Older
siblings everywhere will recognize the big-sister’s
view of family fury and fun."—Booklist, starred
review
Claudia Lewis Award
Bank Street
ALA Notable
Bulletin Blue Ribbon Selection
School Library Journal Best Book
Junior
Library Guild
IRA Teachers' Choice 2012
Librarians' Choice
"Let me just say right out: I love this book. [W]hen I emphasize that I
really love a certain title, that's my way of expressing how exceptional I
find it... It's hard to know what our family loves most about Emma
Dilemma - it's pitch-perfect poems that do so much to reveal voice and
character, or its creative illustrations that do the same, but in a
different way. They go hand in hand (like Emma and Jessica) and I'm glad I
don't have to choose."
Beth, Book Advisor at Epinions
"The poems and art tell an absorbing story—complete with a few tense moments
and a warm, believable conclusion—widening the audience and making this book
more than just an opportunity for big sisters to nod their heads in total
recognition." The Horn Book
"I really enjoyed this picture book! ...The poems focus on the oh-so-complex relationship
between a big sister, Jessica, and her little sister, Emma. I liked many of
the poems... I'll be honest, I liked
almost every single one. They were all so good, so true, so right."
Becky's Book Reviews Young Readers
A wonderful review by middle school librarians Cindy Drobez and Lynn Rutan
at
Bookends: A Booklist Blog.
"The
vignettes form such a vivid portrait of Emma and Jessica that
readers may feel as if they personally know them—and a tense
turn of events will have readers holding their breath." 
Bulletin Blue Ribbon Selection
"Let me just say right out: I love this book. [W]hen I emphasize that I
really love a certain title, that's my way of expressing how exceptional I
find it... It's hard to know what our family loves most about Emma
Dilemma - it's pitch-perfect poems that do so much to reveal voice and
character, or its creative illustrations that do the same, but in a
different way. They go hand in hand (like Emma and Jessica) and I'm glad I
don't have to choose."
