How to Ruin Your Life

Gr 3—5—Nine-year-old PJ narrates details her daily trials and tribulations. Track and Field Day is approaching, and she is looking forward to continuing her reign as fastest girl in her class, but this year her best friend, Katie, beats her in a practice run. PJ wants to sever all ties with her former "BFF." She struggles all week and weekend, wanting to run faster than Katie, trying to find a new best friend, and missing her old one. Finally she takes her parents' advice and apologizes. Then Katie suggests that they finish the race together in first place but PJ mistakenly passes her pal at the finish line to win alone. Don't worry—the two girls reconcile in the end. They come across as real fourth graders, and the story includes some humor. All in all, this is a fast read and a pleasant running-related story.—Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI