Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love

The eccentric but good-natured Emma-Jean Lazarus returns with another comical adventure, superbly narrated by Mamie Gummer. As her school prepares for the annual Spring Fling, Emma-Jean is fascinated by the unusual behavior of her classmates. Gummer's narration follows the amusing exploits of the seventh graders as the story alternates between the perspectives of Emma-Jean and her friend, Colleen Pomerantz. Gummer's perfect pacing allows listeners to be fully absorbed as Emma-Jean races to uncover Colleen's secret admirer before the dance. Not overly dramatic, Gummer's voice quietly brings to life the numerous familiar characters, such as the Indian doctoral student Vickram, all of whom add texture to the story. Enough backstory from Emma's previous adventure is included to satisfy listeners. L.A.C. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Starred review from April 13, 2009
Tarshis proves she “gets” adolescent female friendships (not to mention seventh grade) in this funny and empathetic follow-up to Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree
. For the first time, the intensely analytical Emma-Jean has friends among her peers (as she refers to them) and, like them, she is preoccupied with the girl-invite Spring Fling. Emma-Jean considers asking basketball star Will, though they have little in common—he's been kind to her and causes a “fluttering of her heart.” But she ends up sorting out the dance-related woes of fragile Colleen (whose point of view is explored in certain chapters). Fans of the first book will be pleased that the deadpan narration (“as a single cell can reveal the DNA code of an entire organism, the look in Kaitlin's eyes told Emma-Jean everything she needed to know”) and Emma-Jean's observations are as amusing as ever. (“Adolescent males engage in conspicuous displays to attract the attention of females,” is her explanation of cafeteria boisterousness.) Her blossoming appreciation for emotions that logic can't explain, sympathetic supporting characters and an uplifting finale will warm hearts. Ages 10–14.