I didn't really like this book. The characters were unrealistic for the age they are in the story, The plot is very under developed and it over hammers the race issue where the race issue doesn't exist in the story. (Kid assumes everything that doesn't go his way is because he's black, instead of looking at reality.) I have liked others in the series and the narrator was decent, so I rated it 3 stars. ( )

I enjoyed this book - part of a series which I have not read any of the other books. The boy, who doesn't want to be the center of attention, ends up being just that when he insults a friend of his. His father wants him to be proud of his African American heritage but he just wants to blend in.

I thought the book was funny and well written. The narrator on the audio book didn't do much for me. I would have rather read this book on my own. ( )

This book was a holiday story about a young boy who offends his best friend during the hiliday season. It addresses the issue of skin color among school aged children. Loved the voices and animation. Also loved the way lessons were intermingled in the dialog. My 4-8 year old grandchildren loved it. ( )

EllRay Jakes is a typical third grade student anticipating Christmas. A misunderstanding leads to friendship troubles and challenges to regain a friend. The challenges are hard and the hardest part is deciding to follow through with the biggest one. High quality narration by Corey Allen. ( )

Another good installment in this early middle grade series about 3rd grader EllRay Jakes, this time tackling personal identity and friendship at Christmastime. EllRay accidentally embarrasses one of his friends, and to make amends must complete three (or more) challenges, one of which involves being the Emcee at the school's holiday performance. Which would be fine, if EllRay's goal in life wasn't to blend in. Warner, as always, has a good line on how kids think and act and speak, making this an enjoyable and relatable book. ( )