The Charming Life of Izzy Malone

The start of sixth grade has been tough for “class outcast” Izzy, the only girl at her school who isn’t interested in clothes and boys. What does interest outspoken, independent Izzy—a competitive rowing club—is controlled by a group of popular girls, and Izzy’s attempts to fit in with them fail. Her school nickname, Toad Girl, doesn’t help, nor does her temper or the fact that her mother is running for mayor of Dandelion Hollow. After Izzy’s parents enroll her in a charm school, Izzy must complete a series of tasks to earn charms for her bracelet. However, Izzy’s good intentions, such as secretly attempting to weed a neighbor’s garden, go badly awry. Lundquist (Plastic Polly) effectively builds tension as each task makes Izzy’s life messier, but the friends Izzy meets and things she learns add up to a heartwarming coming-of-age journey. The cozy California town of Dandelion Hollow is populated with a lively cast of secondary characters, and Lundquist deftly portrays the pain of being odd girl out, both at school and at home. Ages 8–12. Agent: Kerry Sparks, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary. (Nov.)