SPINDRIFT

An engaging tale from Rodowsky (Not My Dog, p. 150, etc.) about an inveterate “fixer” who learns that some situations are beyond repair. In the summer after seventh grade, sensible, reliable Cassie’s world goes into a dizzying spin. Even as her sister, Cindy, lies in the maternity ward, Cassie spots her charming, funny brother-in-law, Mickey, making out with another woman. She has always prided herself on her ability to fix anything, from a conflict at school to collapsed sand castles, but the world of adult problems proves especially daunting: suddenly, with her newborn, Cindy’s moving back to the Spindrift, the bed-and-breakfast where Cassie lives with her mother and grandmother, Emma; Mickey is telling Cassie that he’s not ready to be tied down; and Cassie finds a bikini in her sister’s house that is definitely not Cindy’s. In the wake of all that comes her mother’s announcement that they’ll be moving, since Emma has found a buyer for the bed-and-breakfast. Rodowsky eases the strain for Cassie (and readers) by including a supporting cast of calming age-mates and Will, a wise older head. Mickey gets no sympathy, but he’s not completely vilified either; Cindy, angry and bitter, just labels him immature as she goes off to find a divorce lawyer. The far more promising wedding of Will and Emma ends the story on a rising tone. (Fiction. 11-13)