Odd Girl In

Gr 5—7—Alex (don't call her Alexis) prides herself on being a wild child and one of three "Evil Evins." Ever since her researcher mother left the family, the 12-year-old and her older twin brothers have run amok with their pranks and high jinks. Their father, a professor of philosophy who believes in free will, has done little to rein them in. When a "Flaming #2" prank goes awry, setting an elderly neighbor's sofa on fire with nearly disastrous results, Professor Evins has had enough. He enrolls his children in a "life-skills course" called Champs! If they do not all pass the course, a private school looms. Champs! is run by a loud self-promoter who has strict rules and high expectations. Unfortunately, Alex's nemeses, Goody Two-shoes Emily Gold and ultra-competitive athlete Chloe, are also at Champs! Alex prides herself on being tough. She's a loner, and doesn't do the friendship-with-girls thing. The reasons why unfold slowly as readers follow her through her Champs! experience. Secondary characters have surprising depth. There's plenty of humor along the way to redemption and healing as Alex and her brothers learn to work as a team and as a family.—Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ