Arlene, the Rebel Queen

Gr 4–6—Arlene Harper thought that fifth grade would be easy compared to her topsy-turvy fourth-grade year, described in Arlene on the Scene (Emerald, 2010). But by October, the spirited girl is grappling with BFF troubles as well as increasing difficulties managing her daily activities. Both Arlene and her mother suffer from the same genetic disorder, CMT, and Arlene wears leg braces while her mother is confined to a wheelchair. She loves her mom fiercely, but understandably worries that there's a wheelchair in her own future. One might think that she'd be more diligent about her OT, but she hates to miss class to do it. Even though she resolved not to get into trouble with Principal Musgrove this year, a social-studies unit on social justice awakens the activist in Arlene. Inspired by her Chinese civil-rights lawyer uncle to do something dramatic to call attention to her cause, Arlene not only surprises her principal and her parents, but also herself as she stoops to vandalism and even lying to obtain her aims. This gentle, humorous book has several messages but delivers them positively and relatively lightly. The family dynamics are positive, but also realistically show conflicts and obstacles. The portrayals of the teachers are a bit broadly drawn, such as the handsome, dynamic social-studies teacher and the cranky, overworked librarian. Still, the energetic cover and engaging protagonist will draw tween readers.—Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ