INSTANT SOUP

In her second juvenile novel, Guiberson introduces a seventh grader who learns a lot about herself in three challenging days. Darlene's plans for winter vacation are ruined: she must baby-sit Gerry, her four-year-old nephew, while her mother and aunt take a three-day business trip. Moreover, her father gets the flu, Gerry's gecko disappears, and her best friend is tempted to the mall by newer, more glamorous friends. During the ensuing 72 hours, Darlene—who has been impatiently waiting for exciting things to happen to her—discovers that making things happen by taking charge and solving problems can be an exhilarating, validating experience. Guiberson pays careful attention to everyday minutiae and has a good feel for her setting and characters. Unfortunately, a flat style and ineffective pacing slow her unfocused story. Still, the growth of her heroine makes this worthwhile, if unexceptional. (Fiction. 8-12)*justify no*