Girl Reporter Blows Lid Off Town!

February 28, 2000
Ellerbee (And So It Goes) takes a sure and steady step onto new turf with this inaugural novel of her Get Real series. Casey Smith, the frank and flippant narrator of this fast-paced story, arrives on her first day of sixth grade eager to join the staff of the middle-school newspaper. But her English teacher delivers the bad news that the school paper has been defunct for years. Still worse, the next day Casey learns that another student has beat her to the punch and announced her intention to revive the publication. Prissy in pink, Megan couldn't be more different from the down-to-earth, high-top-wearing Casey. Nor could their visions of the paper's focus be further apart: while Megan wants to fill its pages with fluff coverage of "prom notes and bake sales," the heroine expects to tackle "REAL news" stories. When Casey suspects that the directors of a local paper mill are polluting a nearby river, she goes after her story with a zeal and persistence worthy of Ellerbee herself. The means by which Casey obtains the crucial evidence strains credibility a bit, but the issues, personalities and dialogue that the author introduces are inarguably authentic. In an articulate afterword, Ellerbee encourages readers to follow her heroine's lead and become involved in--and passionate about--their world. Casey grapples with the subject of cheating in Girl Reporter Sinks School!, the simultaneously released second volume of this promising series. Ages 8-12.

June 1, 2000
Gr 4-6-Sixth-grader Casey Smith is appalled when she discovers that her middle school does not have a newspaper. How is she supposed to be a real reporter without one? There is a glimmer of hope-her English teacher is willing to be the faculty advisor if Casey and Megan O'Connor can get a paper going. Both girls want to be editor-in-chief, but they are exact opposites. Casey wants to charge ahead on investigating stories in the outside world, while Megan thinks the paper should include everyday school activities. And, Casey has found what she thinks is a hot lead: indications that the local paper mill is polluting the river that runs through town. While she tracks down the story (which proves to be true), Megan actually puts the paper together. In the end, Casey realizes that although she may be the better reporter, Megan is the better editor. Casey, the narrator, is an appealing character-a go-getter who sometimes lets her enthusiasm get the best of her. Her focus on "the story" may annoy those around her, but readers always know that underneath everything, she is a good kid.-Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2000
%% This is a multi-book review. SEE the title "Girl Reporter Sinks School!" for next imprint and review text. %% ((Reviewed March 1, 2000))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2000, American Library Association.)