Elisa in the Middle

From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 3?This latest book featuring Elisa and Russell Michaels will be welcomed by friends of these contemporary, middle-class, New York City kids. The big news this time is the addition of a new baby to the family. Elisa really comes into her own as she tries hard to be a good sister to both of her brothers. Unfortunately, five-year-old girls don't always make the best choices. Fortunately, her misadventures lead to humor and to a good time for young readers. Each of the six chapters tells a complete story; this makes the book episodic, but also gives young readers a feeling of satisfaction when they finish each one. The writing is consistently lively and natural, with occasional challenging words thrown in appropriately. Hoban's charming pencil drawings appear throughout. The titles in this series can be read individually, but youngsters will enjoy watching the characters grow and mature from book to book. The mistakes Elisa makes are totally in character, and readers will gleefully keep a step ahead of her and predict the results. Hurwitz is successful at describing the sacrifices siblings make for one another, and the love and pride they share.?Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. From