Carolyn Phelan (Booklist, February 15, 2000 (Vol. 96, No. 12))
Cameron offers a delightful companion to the books featuring Julian and his little brother, Huey, who were last seen in More Stories Huey Tells (1997). Here, their friend Gloria has her say. From the ups and downs of friendship to the importance of knowing where she stands with her dad, Gloria has plenty on her mind. Her six short, episodic stories of everyday struggles and occasional triumphs will appeal to young readers, particularly those who know the characters from Cameron's earlier books. Lis Toft's shaded pencil drawings portray these African American characters and their predicaments with warmth and humor. A good choice for children who are ready for chapter books. Category: Middle Readers. 2000, Farrar, $15. Gr. 2-4.

Ellen R. Braaf (Children's Literature)
After appearing as Julian Bate's best friend in many of Cameron's other stories, the author finally gives Gloria six stories of her own. All are told in the first person with warmth and insight. Each reveals another facet of this creative, sensitive, and caring young girl. Readers will sympathize with Gloria when a "pain-in-the-neck" parrot tomato bombs the beautiful Valentine she made for her mother. When she's tricked into making a bet she can't win or when fractions seem like a huge rock in the road that she can't get around, readers will understand. They'll also learn, along with Gloria, that some promises should be broken; obsession can be dangerous, and you always have to be your own best friend. 2000, Frances Foster Books/ Farrar Straus and Giroux, $15.00. Ages 5 to 8.

Deborah Stevenson (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, February 2000 (Vol. 53, No. 6))
Those familiar with Cameron’s chronicles of Huey (The Stories Huey Tells, BCCB 12/95, etc.) and Julian (The Stories Julian Tells, 1/82, etc.) have already met Gloria, Julian’s best friend; here she gets a book all her own. She’s having her ups and downs: trouble befalls the beautiful valentine she lovingly crafts for her mother, she’s working out the kinks in a new friendship with Latisha, she’s dying to know if Julian likes her better than he does Latisha, and she’s grappling with that dread arithmetical monster, fractions. This has the cozy solidity of the other books about these characters, and the picture of the pack of kids roaming the friendly neighborhood together is an appealing one. The depiction of such a pack’s social dynamics is accurate, with both the casual interplay and occasional downside of groupthink (Gloria, Julian, and Huey dump an inedible pie on Latisha’s steps) honestly yet sympathetically represented. Toft’s black and white illustrations portray the kids sweetly but not saccharinely, with suitable warmth and affection. (Reviewed from galleys) Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 2000, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2000, Foster/Farrar, 112p, $15.00. Grades 2-4.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2000)
Though Julian and Huey's friend Gloria is protagonist and narrator in this latest entry in Cameron's popular series, it's the boys' dad, Mr. Bates, who's most available for advice, since his car repair shop is nearby. The book isn't didactic; when advice is explicit, it is always in response to problems that readers will perceive and puzzle over. Toft's drawings nicely capture key scenes and emotions in this attractive, accessible chapter book. Category: Younger Fiction. 2000, Farrar/Foster, 96pp, $15.00. Ages 5 to 9. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average.

Tracey Garcia (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 2))
This is a great book for students who are ready to move on from picture books. Each chapter is an individual story with recurring characters. This would allow young readers to read a chapter book without the challenges presented by a novel. The stories are all about a young girl named Gloria and her adventures and misadventures with her friends, Julian, Huey, and Latisha. Each story ends with a little lesson. This would be great for young readers just spreading their wings. Grades 1-3. 2000, Frances Foster/Farrar Straus Giroux, 96p, $15.00. Ages 6 to 9.