Really No Big Deal

Seventh-grader Jonah Truman, the undersized narrator of Bechard's ( My Sister, My Science Report ) middle-grade novel, is juggling a few balls in the air. His old pal Amanda ``Moose'' Matzinger has lured him into the birthday-party business, and when he's not face-painting rambunctious children, he's trying to get up his nerve to say hello to a girl he likes. Then his divorced mother starts dating the principal of his school. Jonah's insecurity about his own romantic tribulations and his discomfort with his mother's choice form the core of this humorous tale. Though the dialogue and action are predictable and sometimes belabored, Jonah's various flirtations have an authentic ring. Bechard's presentation of the thrills of a promising new love--followed by some minor disaster--has all the hallmarks of early experiments with the mating game. Ages 8-12. (May)