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THE NEW YOU

In this slim and breezy read, Leverich combines the universal problem of fitting in at a new school with a thought-provoking fantasy. When Abby, 13, moves to a new town and school, she believes she's misplaced her identity. A bad hair cut and a slight name change_to Abigail_have given her the feeling that she doesn't know who she is anymore. One day after school, a feverish Abby takes a strange excursion to an abandoned beauty salon called The New You, where three independent young women live. It is there that Abby literally finds herself_her future self, called Gail_although she doesn't realize it at the time. The experience_written off as a fever dream by adults_gives her the confidence to be herself when she returns to school, where she does make friends. Leverich (Best Enemies Forever, 1995, etc.) drops subtle hints while introducing an interesting concept: What if a girl could travel within her past, present, and future? The fast-paced action satisfies, and the portrayal of Abby's isolation and dilemma is right on target; this novel has the speed and compactness of a short story, and will leave readers craving more. An engaging and enjoyably limned journey to self-discovery. (Fiction. 12-14)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1998

ISBN: 0-688-16076-X

Page Count: 108

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1998

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GLORIA'S WAY

Fans of Cameron’s Huey and Julian stories (More Stories Huey Tells, 1997, etc.) are in for a treat as Gloria, their friend from those tales, gets a book of her own and graciously allows the two brothers to share it . In the first tale, Gloria makes a wonderful card for her mother, but the wind blows it away and it ends up in the cage of a cantankerous parrot. Thanks to Mr. Bates, Huey and Julian’s dad, the day is saved, as is the burgeoning friendship that Gloria and the boys have struck up with new neighbor Latisha in the story, “The Promise.” In another story, Gloria has to deal with a huge problem—fractions—and this time it’s her dad who helps her through it. Mr. Bates proves helpful again when the group trains an “obsessed” puppy, while Gloria’s mother is supportive when Gloria is unintentionally hurt by her three best friends. The stories are warm and funny, as Gloria, a spunky kid who gets into some strange predicaments, finds out that her friends and wise, loving adults are good to have around when trouble beckons. Great fun, with subtly placed, positive messages that never take center stage. (b&w illustrations) (Fiction. 8-12)

Pub Date: March 9, 2000

ISBN: 0-374-32670-3

Page Count: 93

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000

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MY FRIEND AND I

A skirmish over a favorite stuffed rabbit nearly destroys a friendship and the toy itself, but well-timed physical and emotional bandaging saves the day. When a little boy moves in next door to a little girl they quickly becomes friends and start sharing toys. This works well for cars, trucks, bears, and balls, but when the boy shows up with a new stuffed rabbit, cooperation goes out the window. In the ensuing tug-of-rabbit, each child yanks on the poor bunny’s ears until the stitching gives way. Figuring out a way to repair the rabbit also eventually patches up the friendship. Minor battles rage in homes and preschools everywhere, so children and adults alike will appreciate this subtle example of a peaceful resolution to toy disputes. Jahn-Clough’s pleasantly stubby children convey both healthy loud-mouthed anger and substantial charm. (Picture book. 3-8)

Pub Date: March 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-395-93545-8

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999

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