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By sixth grade, nonconformist Izzy's self-proclaimed "slide into loserdom" is complete; she's outspoken, troublemaking, and friendless but wants desperately to be on the Dandelion Paddlers, a competitive rowing team. Her frustrated parents enroll her in an unconventional charm school, where instructor Mrs. Whippie's tasks (e.g., "do something nice...anonymously") earn her bracelet charms and new friends. Izzy's spunky first-person narration underscores her eccentric personality.