The Right-Under Club

October 1, 2007
Gr 5-8-In this timely novel, Deriso introduces solid characters who come up with a plan to combat the upsets caused by being part of a blended family. One by one, readers meet the five protagonists, each of whom faces her own set of problems, which include adjusting to and accepting a new parental figure, frustrations about stepsiblings, missing a biological parent, and enduring a bitter divorce. The five girls decide to forge "The Right-Under Club," named for the feeling that they are right under their parents' noses, yet are not seen or heard. At each meeting, one of them holds the problem stick and describes an important dilemma. The others write down their solutions, which are read aloud anonymously, and the group decides which course of action to recommend. The story is told from five different perspectives and involves journal-style entries. The changing voices are easy to navigate and lend charm to the narrative. At times, the problems seem simplistic in their presentation and the way they are handled. However, though this novel is not a very deep exploration of feelings, it is a good representation of the importance of friendships. It is also an inspiring story for girls who are facing similar issues of finding their place in the midst of a major life change."Emily Garrett, Armstrong Elementary School, Sachse, TX"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.