Fourth grader Melissa knows she is a girl. When she wants to try out for the role of Charlotte in the school's production of Charlotte's Web, her teacher won't allow it because she sees Melissa as a boy. It's only with the help of Melissa’s best friend, Kelly, that she's able to pull it off and, in the process, communicate to the important people in her life who she really is. Grades 4 & up.
Grades 4 - 6
This is a middle-grade crush story in which Mattie (Matilda) lends a hand playing Romeo when the male lead drops out of the school production of Romeo and Juliet. As the production progresses, Mattie realizes she likes the supremely likable Gemma (playing Juliet). In addition to all of the usual 8th grade angst, Mattie is now questioning her identity. Her friends and family are supportive, but she’s still not sure what it all means. A charming story that does not move much beyond warm feelings, but progresses in a parallel to Shakespeare’s masterpiece. It will have readers dying to know what’s going to happen and cheering Mattie on to the end.
Grades 4 - 7: Stepping into the unknown is nearly always scary, but for those brave enough to inch their way into new territory, they can find unexpected joy as the ultimate reward. Bug is experiencing a summer unlike any other. Her uncle just died, her best friend is preparing for them to share similar experiences when they enter junior high and on top of ALL that, her haunted house is trying to tell her something very important. This is a coming of age tale unlike many others and should not be missed.
