Confessions of a So-called Middle Child

After being expelled for a laxative incident, middle sibling Charlie Cooper has spent the summer grounded, reading books in her bedroom and visiting a psychologist each week. As Charlie begins seventh grade at a new school, Dr. Scales has one final assignment, “to find the most bullied girl in your class and take her under your wing.” Finding her is easy—Marta Urloff is filthy, friendless, and mocked by everyone at her Los Angeles middle school. “She was a horror. You could see it from space,” thinks a despondent Charlie. “She looked like a homeless Disney princess.” With the support of her family, a spiritual makeover (hey, it’s L.A.), and a boost from Houdini (the Cooper family lives in his old mansion), Charlie might just overcome her destructive, attention-seeking habits once and for all. In her first book for children, adult author Lennon (Making It Up as I Go Along) offers a fast-moving story with a satirical edge. Although Charlie’s biting snark can be a bit much, her empathy and heart eventually shine through. Ages 8–12. Agent: Victoria Sanders, Victoria Sanders & Associates. (Sept.)