Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker: Vote for Me!

Gr 4–8—Lucy B. Parker is back, and in Palmer's third book (Putnam, 2011) of the series she has her usual share of drama and social dilemmas. Every part of her life seems to add to her stress and distress. Her incredibly famous and talented "frister" (friend + stepsister), Laurel, has talked her into running for class president against the malicious but most popular girl in school. Lucy's platform and reason for running is to abolish the unfair treatment of "have-nots" by "haves," and to stop dork discrimination. She wants to win on her own, though, without the help or interference of Laurel, which causes a big falling-out between them. Meanwhile, her father's girlfriend back home is close to giving birth, and she and Lucy's father insist that Lucy assume a larger role in baby Ziggy's life, even if it conflicts with the election. Lucy is a likable seventh grader who has a few dork moments of her own throughout the campaign. References to the previous titles in the series are explained sufficiently so that this book can stand on its own. Each character is given a unique and appropriate voice by Shana Dowdswell. Lucy comes across as a typical tween, voicing anxiety and frustration at the usual problems that middle schoolers encounter, experimenting with crushes, balancing family and social life, and learning to stand up for herself. Tweens will identify with Lucy and enjoy this installment.—MaryAnn Karre, School West Middle School, Binghamton, NY