EMMA-JEAN LAZARUS FELL IN LOVE

The eccentric-but-affable Emma-Jean returns with another anthropological foray into the social habits of her fellow classmates. She is perplexed by the odd behavior the seventh graders are exhibiting as they ready themselves for William Gladstone Middle School’s Spring Fling, and she also wonders about the odd, fluttery feeling she experiences every time Will Keeler appears. Could it be love? Tarshis deftly weaves in important details from the previous book (Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree, 2007), providing those new to Emma-Jean some necessary back story. The third-person narration alternates between the quirky Emma Jean and her friend, Colleen Pomerantz. As the dance draws closer, good-hearted Colleen seeks Emma Jean’s help in unmasking her own secret admirer. Emma Jean also writes a letter hoping to thwart Vikram, her mother’s boarder-cum-love interest, from moving to the West coast. Fans will appreciate the continuity and relish the reappearance of familiar characters, especially Ms Wright, the lovable school janitor, and the rest of Emma Jean’s true blue friends. The story ends on a happy note with the possibility of more adventures to come. (Fiction. 9-13)