Jan Siebold

Eighth-grader Lizzie and her mother have recently moved to a new town, and Lizzie is having a little trouble settling in. While her mother teaches a community education class, Lizzie is allowed to wait in the projector room overlooking the auditorium and do her homework. As she waits, she overhears an improv class, part of the same community education program, rehearsing. She is drawn to the activities of the small group, despite the fact that a mean girl from school is part of the improv show more class. Each week, Lizzie looks forward to seeing what the class will learn . . . and she is able to take those lessons and apply them to her own life.

This was a nice enough story, but a little pat. Lizzie was always able to immediately apply the things she learned in her eavesdropping sessions, and she neither got caught nor decided to ask to join the class. I picked it up at a library book sale because I like reading about theatre and improv, but I found this book just all right, and will probably pass my copy along now that I have read it. show less

Mitchell gets in trouble for a prank and is signed up for the OLD friends program. He chats twice a week with Wootie, who lives in a nursing home. Together they help each other figure out what they need to do to feel better - he needs to apologize, and she needs to own up to her failing health.

For how creepy the front cover looks, this is a pretty average story about standing up for yourself, not passing judgement on others, and taking responsibility for your actions. The message is a show more little heavy, but the concept is intriguing - and it is a very quick, short read. show less

This is a good, quick read for kids in 4th-5th grade. The message is clear and simple but effective.

After being involved in a prank, a 12-year-old boy is sentanced to chatting online with a nursing home resident. What could he possibly have to talk about with an elderly person?