Reluctantly Alice

April 1, 1991
Likeable Alice McKinley is back in this honest and funny portrayal of the ups and downs of seventh grade. Having survived her ``summer of the first boyfriend,'' Alice is determined to start off the school year as everyone's friend. But in the first week she discovers seven things that ``stink'' about seventh grade, and it takes her quite some time to come up with seven good things. Just as the beleaguered heroine seems to be coping well with her various crises she has a run-in with Denise ``Mack-Truck'' Whitlaw. Meanwhile her domestic problems--concerning her brother's and father's romances--are escalating. Alice is able to resolve her differences with Denise (in typical Alice fashion), but when she attempts to take on the family dilemmas the results are comic and chaotic. Alice's fans will not be disappointed in her latest misadventures, and the news that Naylor intends to take Alice through to her graduation is certainly welcome. Ages 8-12.

March 1, 1991
Gr 5-8- -It's the first day of seventh grade, and Alice can't think of anything good about it except she gets out at 2:30 instead of 3:00. She feels weird, thinks she looks weird, and is not used to being at the bottom rung of the ladder. Then, with her usual style and verve, she decides that things have to get better, and plans to spend the year being Alice the Likable. This is before her run-in with Denise "Mack-Truck" Whitlock, however-and before she discovers the problems her widowed father and 20-year old brother, Lester, are having with the women in their lives. Young adolescents will recognize themselves in Alice and will laugh, cry, and cheer her on as she finds all things are possible. Alice and her surrounding cast of characters are realistic and full of vitality. With cheerful, upbeat writing and positive emphasis, this third book about Alice is sure to be as popular as the previous two. Readers will be reluctant to see it end. -Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA