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The Hula-Hoopin' Queen

Kameeka is determined to defeat Jamara Johnson and become the Hula Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street. Kameeka’s so preoccupied with thoughts of victory that she makes a mistake setting the oven temperature for the cake her mama’s making for Miz Adeline’s birthday and it falls flat. Hoop in hand she heads out to buy more sugar for another cake but gets sidetracked when she runs into Jamara. By the time Kameeka remembers the sugar it’s too late to make another cake before the party. And Miz Adeline loves chocolate cake. But to Kameeka’s surprise it turns out she also loves something else — hula hooping! An appealing debut picture book set in a predominantly African American neighborhood is grounded in lively details and has a wonderful sense of family and community along with terrific dialogue and turns of phrase. (“Mama stands still as water in a puddle. She gives me her look.”) Highly Commended, 2015 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2015 Cooperative Children's Book Center

Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Wisconsin author

Thelma Lynne Godin grew up in Michigan. She attended Mount Mary College in Milwaukee and lived and worked in the Milwaukee area after college. She currently lives in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-8
Age Range: PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7) Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: African Americans Community Competitiveness Responsibility
Diversity subject: Black/African

Publisher: Lee & Low
Publish Year: 2014
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781600608469

CCBC Location: Picture Book, Godin

The Hula-Hoopin' Queen