Sonya Begonia and the Eleventh Birthday Blues

The first book in the Best Friends series has nothing to do with Joanne Rocklin's very funny Sonia Begonia. This Sonya has just returnedafter some divorce and remarriage shake-ups with her parentsto her elementary school. She's anxious to renew ties with her old friends, but also wants to win the approval of Celia, whom no one else likes. Sonya tries to have it both ways, pleasing Celia and the othersAngela, Dawn and Terribut she just gets into trouble. By the time her 11th birthday party rolls around, Sonya is sure that no one is going to show up. There are many other, better stories about friendshiporiginals and reprintsand Sonya's desire to make friends at any cost is tired territory. In fact, with the pedestrian writing and a plot that hits a plateau early on, it's difficult to find one fresh contribution this book makes. Ages 8-12. (April)