The More the Merrier

June 1, 2012

Gr 2-4-Third-grader Cinderella Smith is experiencing growing pains. Rosemary T., who has been her neighbor forever, informs her that things like skipping, holding hands, and making up combination words are "immature." When Aunt Flora comes to stay with Cinderella and her sister while their parents are away, Rosemary T. decides that Aunt Flora is weird and may just be a witch. Cinderella and her friend Erin decide that the best way to deal with Rosemary T. is the silent treatment, but Aunt Flora helps the girls figure out that communication might just be the answer. The plucky heroine is right at home beside Judy Moody, Clementine, and Ramona. Quirky, but not over-the-top, her experiences are true to life and she remains comfortable in her own skin. Cinderella is an ally to the kids in her class, and might inspire some readers to speak up themselves.-Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.