(3) 4-6 A year and a half after her mother's death, list-loving Violet finds a letter from her mom including a "Christmas To-Do List...of things I hope you'll do this season to make some happy memories." Violet enlists friend and fellow "Charm Girl" Izzy (from The Charming Life of Izzy Malone) to help with the tasks. Secondary characters are well rounded, and Violet's emotions ring true.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) 4-6 By sixth grade, nonconformist Izzy's self-proclaimed "slide into loserdom" is complete; she's outspoken, troublemaking, and friendless but wants desperately to be on the Dandelion Paddlers, a competitive rowing team. Her frustrated parents enroll her in an unconventional charm school, where instructor Mrs. Whippie's tasks (e.g., "do something nice...anonymously") earn her bracelet charms and new friends. Izzy's spunky first-person narration underscores her eccentric personality.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 Callie, who misses her father since Mom kicked him out, just wants to survive seventh grade. She's resistant to her new glasses until she learns that the specs allow her to see other people's thoughts. Callie then comes to find that some things are best left unseen and others that are hidden should be in full view. The character's witty voice conveys the achingly true emotions of middle-school girlhood.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff