(3) 4-6 In this modern, middle-school spin on Dickens's A Christmas Carol, thirteen-year-old mean-girl Ellie is visited by a ghost, who shows Ellie scenes from her life to inspire her to change her ways. Margolis first presents Ellie as a deplorable monster, then, in the heart-rending flashbacks, strips away her confidence and perfection to reveal a broken teen with whom readers will sympathize.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) 4-6 Painfully shy Pixie is the exact opposite of her party-planner and costumed-performer parents. When her mom leaves town for a while, Pixie steps up to help her dad--and finds herself stepping more into the spotlight. But she manages to cope and even develops confidence (in mermaid attire no less). Similarly introverted readers will sympathize with Pixie's situation and appreciate her satisfying growth.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) 4-6 Think Freaky Friday: Katie envies Melody's life; Melody is sure Katie's life rules. When magic switches them the summer before seventh grade, Katie sees the lonely interior of gorgeous Melody's life, while Melody lives with Katie's domineering twin brothers. Rather than growing apart, the switcheroo brings the two closer than ever. Alternating narrators keep the who's-who premise clear(ish) in the pleasantly predictable story.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) 4-6 Eleven-year-old Annabelle and her friends try several schemes to raise money for a concert; meanwhile, Rachel constantly makes snide remarks about Annabelle's recent move to a wealthier neighborhood. The mostly light and funny story addresses wealth inequality honestly, and readers new to the series (Boys Are Dogs; Girls Acting Catty; etc.) should easily catch on to the characters' personalities.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) 4-6 Maggie Brooklyn Mystery series. In her third book, affable Maggie Brooklyn wants to find out who's sabotaging her friend's mom's new soda fountain. And then there's the creepy mansion where she has a babysitting gig: Maggie doesn't believe in ghosts, but it really seems haunted. The book's age-appropriate mysteries are lightly suspenseful and connect in satisfying ways. A good choice for budding Nancy Drews.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) 4-6 Maggie Brooklyn Mystery series. In this solid follow-up to Girl's Best Friend, a movie begins filming in Maggie Brooklyn's neighborhood. Then its heartthrob star disappears; also, someone is egging dogs in Prospect Park. Dog-walking detective Maggie investigates both cases (and is oblivious to what's going on in her personal life) with characteristic cheerfulness, wit, and smarts, leaving readers hoping for another sequel.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) 4-6 In Girls Acting Catty, Annabelle prevailed over clique-y girls. She's back for another lesson, this time on first crushes, as she scrambles to find a date to the upcoming Valentine's Day dance. The perfect choice could be science fair partner Oliver--until bestie Claire divulges her crush on him. Annabelle's narration is spot-on for middle-school girls, while the subject matter is, once again, relatable.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(2) 4-6 Maggie Brooklyn Mystery series. When dogs start disappearing from her Park Slope neighborhood, Maggie Sinclair, seventh-grader and part-time dog walker extraordinaire, is on the case. Maggie aspires to be Nancy Drew ("old-fashioned" but "way gutsy") and shrewdly puts together seemingly unrelated events. While the well-crafted mystery is foremost, it's the relatable, witty protagonist dealing with everyday middle school tribulations that makes this novel stand out.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2010

(3) 4-6 Annabelle (Boys Are Dogs) is used to dealing with obnoxious boys, but the problem now is with girls--a whole different breed that can't be trained. Middle-grade girl readers will relate to Annabelle's fight against the nasty clique war. The main character's voice, vulnerable and likable, is better defined than in the first book.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) 4-6 Annabelle must adjust to a new town, school, and dog after she and her mother move in with Mom's boyfriend. The exasperating middle-school boys make Annabelle miserable, until she re-purposes tips from her dog-training manual to tame them. Although Annabelle is not a particularly distinctive character, the assertiveness she gains and the girl-power camaraderie she finds send a useful message.

Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor