by Beverly Donofrio
ages 8-12

Ally’s best friend is Betsy. It’s been that way forever (well, at least since kindergarten). They’ve done everything together always. But, on the first day of 5th grade, Ally discovers Betsy dumped her for their arch-enemy, Mona. Ally’s distraught, depressed, downcast, especially since this year is the Fifth Grade Talent show and she was going to perform in it… with Betsy! To add insult to injury, the only person who’s willing to be Ally’s friend is the new girl, Tina, who is odd, to say the least. After some bumps and fits, and a couple of very crucial decisions, Ally decides that maybe, just maybe, 5th grade will be okay after all.

This was an odd, quirky little book. That doesn’t equal bad; I read it out loud to C and we both really enjoyed it. It spurred some interesting discussions of the 70s — Ally’s parents are older, and Ally loves everything disco — and, more importantly, the nature of friendship. Tina’s an interesting character; strong and unafraid to be her own person. I really liked, and appreciated, that about her. Ally, though, I couldn’t quite get a bead on — the mix between 70s and present was a little off-putting (for me, at least; C didn’t mind so much), and I couldn’t quite figure out what Donofrio was trying to do with Ally. But, in the end, the book won me over: there’s so much enthusiasm, and heart, that I couldn’t help it.

My only real complaint, is that it didn’t come with a playlist. I think I could have used that.

(Just for the record: because this is a Cybils nominee, I’ve been asked to make sure y’all know this is my opinion only, and not that of the panel.)