All But Alice

From School Library Journal Grade 5-8-- In the winter of seventh grade, lovable, motherless Alice McKinley believes that life's problems require the guidance of a wise and kind female. Lacking that, she decides that all females represent a universal sisterhood, and, lemminglike, joins in the popular activities of her peer group. In addition to writing fan letters to stars and buying earrings weekly, Alice tries to feel sisterly solidarity with the women pursuing her older brother, and wishes her father would marry the attractive teacher he has been dating. Alice thinks she's outgrown Patrick, but is soon bored with handsome Brian's pranks; when loyal Patrick is slated for victimization, Alice must reevaluate her decisions. In the end, intelligence and loyalty triumph over superficiality. Only an author of Naylor's nimble skill could hold these ingredients together in a readable, laughable, and, yes, sensitive story. Alice is the same delightful character from The Agony of Alice (Atheneum, 1985), although, naturally, more mature. Carefully structured, strongly characterized, this book is sure to be the most popular yet of the series. Naylor's light, but deft touch with important thematic concerns is most appealing.