THE WIMP OF THE WORLD

Two authors noted for stories that gently challenge social and gender roles (Oh Boy! Babies! [1980]; Sam and the Moon Queen [1990]) offer another. Bridget, ten, feeling hemmed in by three brothers (triplets) and with a fourth on the way, is dismayed when Great-Aunt Dawsie, her best source of advice and sanctuary, announces her impending marriage. Bridget's brothers insist that she should build upper-body strength to become athletic, but she can't quite manage the pushups; Dawsie wants her to be maid of honor and (horrors) wear a dress; and topping off Bridget's list of concerns, her parents' motel is failing. By the end, her self- esteem has been affirmed: She's helped to renovate the motel's miniature golf course, bringing in a burst of new business, and has enjoyed participating in the wedding. Dawsie also gives Bridget her small cabin as a hideaway—plus a set of free weights. An easily read story with a cast of engaging characters; the message is delivered with a light touch. (Fiction. 9-12)