(3) K-3 Illustrated by Marta Kissi. In this autobiographical account, sixth grader Tapper struggled with feelings of nervousness about speaking up in class and noticed many female classmates felt the same way. So she proposed a Girl Scout patch and pledge called "Raise Your Hand" to encourage girls everywhere to speak up. Kissi's bright, expressive illustrations bring additional warmth to this motivational tale of female empowerment.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Marta Kissi. Ella Brook can't wait to grow up to be a fairy like the rest of the women in her family. In the meantime, she helps her novice mom, whose spells don't always go as planned. In Kinsella's first book for young readers, Ella narrates four amusing adventures filled with mayhem, endearing characters, and life lessons, all accompanied by plentiful black-and-white illustrations. A "Family Activity Guide" is appended.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Marta Kissi. Readers already acquainted with angsty Gabby Garcia will most enjoy this sequel in which her detailed, carefully-crafted plans for summer are constantly thwarted. Her BFF Diego returns from a year in Costa Rica "totally different"; Gabby's now a catcher instead of pitcher on her baseball team; and does Johnny really like-like her? Tweens should connect with Gabby's journal-style narrative about such confusing changes.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Marta Kissi. As a star pitcher, Gabby knows how to strategize for success; so when she's abruptly reassigned to a private school because of asbestos at Luther Junior High, she produces this playbook for all her goals. Amply illustrated in black-and-white and breezily written, it will appeal to sports-minded readers who enjoy similarly formatted journals. Lessons about ego versus genuine friendship don't outweigh the fun.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin