(3) 4-6 Illustrated by C. B. Decker. Logan hopes fifth grade will give him a clean slate; however, things go awry with a new girl at school who has a knack for getting Logan in trouble. Meanwhile, Logan's "forgetful" grandfather has moved in, causing tension and embarrassment at home. Jones effectively uses humor to address the issue of dementia through a ten-year-old's eyes ("Grandpa was naked," begins the book).

Reviewer: David Elzey

(3) PS Illustrated by C. B. Decker. What her mom views as an unequivocal mess, imaginative Calpurnia sees as the frightful Block Mess Monster. Only when Mom accepts the monster's existence do the three reach an acceptable clean-up solution. Calpurnia's voice is candid, witty--and a little bit panicky. Observant readers will enjoy identifying the expressive but not-at-all-obvious face and form of the monster amongst the blocks.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(3) K-3 Illustrated by C. B. Decker. While playing beauty parlor with his little sister before Uncle Kevin's wedding, Jackson makes a b ig mistake. Even though he points out mistakes others have made in the past, Mom is furious. MacLean creates suspense by waiting to reveal what Jackson did: he used permanent markers and gum on his sister. Lively illustrations give the humor extra punch.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert