Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
Smith, Jane Denitz
2 Reviews
(4)
4-6
Fourth-grader Ruthie is fascinated by her new babysitter, Alice, who helps her build a fairy house in the woods and tells her stories about the little creatures and the magical powers of Fairy Dust. But when Alice's penchant for lying and petty thievery leads Ruthie astray, Ruthie slowly comes to realize that Alice isn't so admirable after all. The novel conveys its message without preachiness, but use of stock characters reduces the impact.
Reviewer: Anne St. John
(4)
4-6
The price of friendship with popular fifth-grader Jessica is a high one for Maddie, but she can't resist the lure of being in Jessica's inner circle. On direction from Jessica, Maddie begins a campaign to humiliate her best friend, Charlie. While the story is plodding, both Maddie and Charlie are sympathetic characters; the themes of peer pressure and the changing nature of friendships will be familiar to middle-grade readers.
Reviewer: Carolyn Shute
2 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.