Vera la Valiente is scared

K-Gr 2--A normally brave girl must confront her fear of roller-coasters on a class visit to an amusement park. Vera la Valiente (Vera the Brave) is fearless on the playground: playing volleyball, climbing the bars, defending her friends. But when her teacher announces a class visit to the Rocking Roller Coasters park, Vera is afraid to tell her friends that she is not brave when it comes to roller-coasters. She tries to prepare at home with her bike, a wagon, and some toys, but nothing helps. On the day of the park visit she finally admits her fears and learns that some of her classmates, and even her teacher, share her feelings. Vera's realization that she can be brave and sometimes fearful will resonate with kids. Simple Spanish phrases are scattered throughout the text. Many fun similes could easily be worked into a lesson on expressive language. Exuberantly colorful illustrations perfectly capture both Vera's facial expressions and the dizzying, swirling curved lines of the ride Vera imagines. VERDICT A relatable story with wide appeal about bravery and emotional honesty.--Sue Morgan