(3) 4-6 Mallory series. Illustrated by Jennifer Kalis. Fifth grader Mallory's new neighbors offer her and a friend a babysitting job for their five-year-old twins. While thrilled with the responsibility and opportunity, Mallory discovers how difficult it is to manage the adorable boys while also balancing school work and other interests. The upbeat, fluffy twenty-seventh Mallory story is complemented by black-and-white spot drawings, text-message screenshots, and appended babysitting tips.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Mallory series. Illustrated by Jennifer Kalis. Mallory decides to make Thanksgiving extra special by running a food drive for needy families at her school. The project, while well-intentioned, causes unexpected conflict within Mallory's friend group and the whole school. Creative problem-solving and teamwork prevail, and the students' hard work leads to a successful project. An as-usual amiable installment, twenty-eighth in the series; includes black-and-white spot art and tips for community service.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Mallory series. Illustrated by Jennifer Kalis. It's the summer before fifth grade, and Mallory's family is taking a road trip to the Grand Canyon. But Mallory is less than thrilled about her know-it-all cousin, Kate, tagging along, plus Mallory's big brother Max seems to be hiding something. The illustrated-travel-journal format includes facts about local landmarks and offers a nice change of pace for this amiable long-running series.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(3) 4-6 Mallory series. Illustrated by Jennifer Kalis. Mallory experiences a rocky start to fifth grade as her best friend distances herself and excludes Mallory from plans. But through trial and error, Mallory establishes a strong group of friends, both new and old. Friedman's focus on the changing nature of friendships adds depth to this longtime series. Black-and-white spot illustrations expand the story, along with text exchanges and diary entries.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 Mallory series. Illustrated by Jennifer Kalis. It's the end of fourth grade, and that's just one of many changes affecting Mallory's life: she's moving across town, away from her best friends and next-door neighbors; her cat is sick; and another friend is spending the summer with her grandma. Previous series installments have focused largely on friendships; this one offers a nice change by focusing on Mallory's relationship with her mother.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(3) 4-6 Mallory series. Illustrated by Jennifer Kalis. Mallory is psyched about her town's new girls' basketball league but dismayed when her best friends don't share her enthusiasm. Mallory joins anyway, and even though she's not the best player, she moves outside her comfort zone and makes new friends. Readers will learn a little about basketball and may be inspired to try something new. Friedman's long-running series continues to be enjoyable.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl