Dead Possums Are Fair Game

Math teacher and picture book author Souder (Whole-y Cow! Fractions Are Fun), upends neatnik Ella's numerophobia and assumptions about adults in this wholesome novel. Morty, a dead opossum that manages to catch a kickball thanks to the wonders of rigor mortis, and Wacky Willa, Ella's favorite aunt who arrives to share Ella's room for several weeks, propel radical changes in this fifth-grader's life. Supported by friends Jolina and Lucille, newcomer Jonathan, her parents, and some remarkably understanding teachers, Ella not only survives Willa's dog's tendency to swallow or throw up on everything important to her, but also the last-minute destruction of an important math project, with a summer free from tutoring hanging in the balance. Willa may not be the roommate Ella hoped for, but her loving encouragement and advice lend her a special role in her niece's life. Ella's narration doesn't always sound like that of a kid (and clich%C3%A9d interjections from her French classmate, Jean-Pierre, are even less so), but readers should still find her adventures appealing and entertaining. Ages 8%E2%80%9312. Agent: Sally Apokedak, Leslie H. Stobbe Agency. (Nov.)