Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee.

Yee, Lisa. Millicent Min, Girl Genius. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2003.

You thought the normal eleven year old girl had problems, but try being eleven and taking a class in college. Millicent Min is that girl, however her social skills lack more than the average eleven year old. As summer roles around, Millicent finds herself taking a volleyball class that will lead to a new friend, and tutoring her worst enemy, Stanford. The summer will be full of surprises including Emily finding out the secret that Milli and Stanford were hiding from her. Yee writes a humorous page turner for her first novel.

So B. It by Sarah Weeks

Weeks, Sarah. So B. It. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2004.

Heidi, a twelve-year-old girl, lives with her mentally disabled mother named So B. It, who survives life with the help of her next door neighbor. However, to make matters worse, the neighbor, Bernadette, is an agoraphobic. Living with these two different women, Heidi will grow up in a world different from many other children; however just like everyone she will soon start asking questions about her past and about her mother. Especially, when Heidi finds a role of film that doesn’t answer anything, but just adds to her curiosity. To learn about who she is she must travel by bus by herself to her mother’s previous home to find the answers. Several weak spots throughout, but the reader's love for Heidi makes it worth continuing on. The book is well written and will keep you wanting to know the secret of her life. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex handy, because Weeks will have you crying, but satisfied with the turn out of this book.

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald

McDonald, Megan. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2005.

Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Stink, the little brother of Judy Moody series, will get his turn in the spotlight. This new series will have Judy Moody fans and attract others as well with the humor that James Moody can bring to these books. In this adventure, James, stresses over being so short, but finds support in the president James Madison, the shortest president ever. He will also encounter his bossy sister Judy, and even take care of his class pet newt. Peter Reynolds adds his touches in with black and white illustrations. Plus, adding in a few comic strips with Stink being various superheroes throughout the book gives extra humor that all will enjoy.

Marvin Redpost: Alone in His Teacher's House by Louis Sachar

Sachar, Louis. Marvin Redpost: Alone in His Teacher's House. New York: Random house, Inc., 1994.

Illustrator: Barbara Sullivan

Sachar’s fourth chapter book remains as funny as the rest. Marvin is asked to take care of his teacher's aging dog, Waldo, while she is out of town. Now Marvin will face being in Mrs. North’s house and learning to do what's right from wrong. With pressure from his friends to let them in the house to learning how to deal with things when they go wrong, Sachar will teach a good lesson using humor throughout. Barbara Sullivan adds her touches in the book with pencil drawings that are done in black and white. Plus, good facial expressions allow the story to be reiterated with the reader’s thoughts. A good combination of writing and illustrations with great humor will make reader’s love this addition to Marvin Redpost.

Judy Moody Gets Famous! by Megan McDonald

McDonald, Megan. Judy Moody Gets Famous!. New York: Candlewick Press, 2001.

Illustrator Peter Reynolds

In this sequel to Judy Moody, McDonald does a fantastic job maintaining the humor in Moody’s quest to be famous. This Judy Moody book portrays Judy in a jealous mood as she continues to witness others find their fame moment as she has nothing. Moving from one crazy idea to another, like having George Washington’s cherry pit, she will do her best to find away to get her “famous” moment. In the midst of trying hard, she manages to find her fame just by helping others. Children will enjoy this chapter book and come out with a good feeling. Peter Reynolds has black and white drawings that are simple but descriptive, and it gives just enough to get a good image in your head. The drawings scattered throughout are both small and large. Also, the book starts off with a Who’s Who at the beginning that gives a picture and description of each character. The continuation of this series is one that all will love and laugh at.