Iva Honeysuckle Meets Her Match

Gr 2–5—Iva Honeycutt (aka Iva Honeysuckle) is at it again. In her second adventure, the 10-year-old and her family are finally getting away from Uncertain, Virginia. They are going on a weeklong vacation to Stingray Point, where Iva can put her "discoverer" skills to good use. But, in order to be successful in her plans to find pirate treasure, or something equally exciting, she has to get away from her annoying double-first cousin. This proves difficult because Heaven is always around with her "Daily Life Cards" and her tattling ways. When Iva meets London Howdyshell on the beach, she immediately believes that she has found the perfect companion to be her scientist-partner. Unfortunately, Heaven intrudes on the friendship and Iva finds herself lonely and on the verge of being outed for breaking the rules. How Iva eventually uses her skills will surprise readers. Ransom's story line seems to mirror her first book with exaggerated rivalry and summertime adventure. In addition, the reconciliation between Heaven and Iva seems to be a bit forced. Ross's line drawings add some visual charm to the story. Although not a necessary purchase, this title will appeal to Judy Moody and Junie B. Jones fans and those looking to enjoy a new heroine.—Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY