Katy Kelly

In diary format and first-person voice, follows the life of 8-year-old Lucy Rose in the course of a school year. Lucy Rose is a spunky, practical girl dealing with the separation of her parents; starting a new school; Adam "Melonhead," an annoying boy in her class; and yearning for her turn to take home the class guinea pig Jake. But there are some god things going on: her best friend in D.C. is Jonique McBee, she regularly visits her grandparents Madam and Pop, and Mr. Welsh is a pretty good teacher. Despite the worries and concerns of an 8-year-old, Lucy Rose approaches them with aplomb and humor.… (meer)

Lucy Rose and her two best friends start the summer with grand plans for their summer vacation. The novel is told from Lucy Rose's perspective; however, it is written as though it is from her journal. It tells the story of the summer she turns 9. Her parents are getting a divorce, a new girl moves into the neighborhood, a new Parks and Rec center opens, and several other classic summer tales fitting children's summertime escapades. It's a wonderful story that reminds me of my own happy summers in a way (minus the divorcing parent issue).… (meer)