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256 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| September, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-41973-132-7$16.99
(3)
4-6
Odds series.
The Odds' (The Mighty Odds; Against the Odds) quirky superpowers are getting stronger, and none too soon: classmates who all mysteriously received high scores on a test are suddenly exhibiting out-of-control behavior, all apparently tied to Auxano Labs. In its third installment, the humorous series--punctuated as usual with cartoons, articles, and blog posts--picks up speed, and characters show welcome development.
220 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| May, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-2308-7$15.95
(3)
4-6
Fans of the equally offbeat predecessor The Mighty Odds should be eager to learn the backstory of the main characters' strange superpowers, which involves an ill-intentioned lab testing a drug on rabbits--and on Amish teens during their Rumspringa. The often funny mission to rescue several people locked up by that lab is punctuated with drawings, news articles, and sometimes boorish middle-school dialogue.
231 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| September, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-1271-5$15.95
(3)
4-6
Oddly matched victims of a bus accident discover they each have a very specific superpower in this novel sprinkled with newspaper articles and cartoon drawings. Who knew the ability to teleport four inches to the left could be so useful? The middle-school dynamics and humor (including occasional crassness) are well rendered and realistic.
208 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-1270-8$15.95
(3)
4-6
In this latest (seemingly final) installment, BFFs Lydia and Julie deal with change. A nearby school has burned down, so new kids are coming to their junior high. As they explore friendship, dating, and outsiders, Julie and Lydia find their own relationship and values tested. Although the plot tackles almost too many issues, the author's fans will nevertheless enjoy another lively handwritten-diary-style romp.
207 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| March, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-0536-6$15.95
(3)
4-6
In this fifth installment, BFFs Lydia and Julie, about to turn thirteen, decide to learn to play music and start a band (but not to be popular). Dilemmas ensue and the girls survive various embarrassments. Told in the same lighthearted style in alternating hand-written, illustrated diary entries and internet message conversations, the girls are still relatable and the series continues to be enjoyable.
207 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| October, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-0859-6$15.95
(3)
4-6
In this latest installment, BFFs Lydia and Julie deal with love. Julie is with Roland now but doesn't know what the rules are in a couple, and Lydia isn't sure how she feels about her soccer coach and her mom getting married. Told in alternating hand-written and illustrated diary entries, Ignatow once again captures the joys and angst of young adolescence.
207 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| April, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-0182-5$15.95
(3)
4-6
In this fourth book, Lydia and Julie take a cross-country road trip with Julie's two dads. Told through the girls' hand-written, illustrated diary entries, the story is lively and funny (and includes geographical details). Serious issues--Lydia's feelings about her parents' divorce and her father's remarriage; the fact that Julie's grandparents don’t accept their son's partner or his homosexuality--are also included.
208 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| October, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-0063-7$15.95
(4)
4-6
This third book about sixth-grade friends Lydia and Julie is told in the same lively handwritten journal/letter format. This time, however, the plot is a little more convoluted, and the messages about popularity are a bit muddled. Readers new to the series may be put off, but Lydia and Julie's fans will persevere.
208 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| March, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8109-9724-0$15.95
(3)
4-6
In their second Popularity Papers story, best friends Lydia and Julie are back--but not quite together. Their friendship is tested when Lydia's family moves to England for six months. Separately in their journals and jointly via email, the girls continue to explore what it means to be popular in two totally new environments. The scrapbook-style format is still successful here.
208 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| April, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8109-8421-9$15.95
(3)
4-6
Lydia lives with her mom and goth sister; Julie lives with her two dads. The girls are best friends on the cusp of junior high. Aspiring to understand popularity, they scientifically observe the cool kids. They track their data in a journal/scrapbook, and their research is presented, in sketches and alternating handwriting, in this clever and humorous volume.