Moss, M., (2008). Amelia's science fair disaster. City: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books.
This is one of many books in the Amelia series of cleverly written stories suitable for younger teens. In this book Amelia is worried about doing a science experiment with a group. She believes that group projects are challenging and she is just waiting for a disaster. This story is written hand printed in a book that looks like a lab journal. This makes is even more believable for readers who can relate to Amelia's notes and drawings. The fear about group projects and science experiments reflects what young teens might go through in class. It also deals with contemporary issues of acceptance, and peer pressure. ( )

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

Who doesn't dread the words "science fair?"

For anyone in middle school, these two words can be pure torture. Coming up with a science fair project can be agony. Well, for Amelia it's worse than that. Not only does she have to deal with a science fair, her science teacher has given her two more words that she can't stand to hear - "group project."

Amelia doesn't have any friends in her science class. Her best friend, Carly, is in a different science class, and has lucked out with two really wonderful partners for her project. After looking through the class, Amelia notes to herself who she could possibly work with.

Well, as can be expected, Amelia gets the two worst possible choices. First of all, she gets Felix. Felix sleeps through the entire class every day. And then there's Sadie. At least she thinks her name is Sadie. When Ameila asks her what her name is, Sadie just laughs it off and thinks Amelia is joking. After all, they had classes together the previous year, as well.

Sadie soon tries to weasel her way into Amelia's life. She invites herself over to Amelia's to work on their project. But when Amelia finds Sadie snooping around her bedroom and daring to read her journal, Amelia throws her out.

Amelia is torn between avoiding Sadie and getting a bad grade on their project, or dealing with the situation and trying to work together. It takes Carly's intervention to make Amelia realize that she doesn't have to be friends with Sadie to do the project, just friendly to work with.

With Felix asleep through it all, will Amelia and Sadie be able to overcome their problems to finish their science project on time?

Amelia shares her story in a written journal. With creative illustrations and what's made to look like handwritten entries, AMELIA'S SCIENCE FAIR DISASTER is a fun look at a brief chapter of Amelia's life.

Easy to pick up and quick to read, AMELIA'S SCIENCE FAIR DISASTER will have particular appeal to middle school tween girls. ( )