Ten Rules for Living with My Sister

Credible characterizations, on-the-nail humor, and well-observed family dynamics add up to another hit from Newbery Honor author Martin (A Corner of the Universe). In a freewheeling, off-the-cuff narrative, nine-year-old Pearl candidly assesses how she measures up to her seemingly perfect older sister, Lexie, who has multiple friends (including a boyfriend), a stack of awards, and her own key to their Manhattan apartment. Pearl, meanwhile, has a first-grader for a best friend, and their cat, Bitey, for a "boyfriend." The rapport between the often bickering sisters and their conflicting emotions about the other--jealousy and admiration on Pearl's part, annoyance and affection on Lexie's--are entirely convincing. When their grandfather is injured and moves in with them, Pearl is thrilled to accommodate him ("I smiled sweetly. 'I would be happy to help out by moving into Lexie's room' "), and Pearl's close relationship with her grandfather grows increasingly poignant as she becomes aware that he has dementia. It's not hard to picture Pearl and Lexie as successors to Ramona and Beezus as Martin creates a novel as entertaining as it is true. Ages 9-12. (Sept.)

Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-7--Nine-year-old Pearl Littlefield always seems to be saying and doing the wrong thing. Consequently her older sister ignores her, or worse, hangs a "no Pearl allowed" sign on her bedroom door. Pearl wants very badly for Lexie to include her in her life and comes up with 10 rules to help her not to annoy her sibling. She finds that when she tries to follow them, she and Lexie get along better. When the girls' grandfather comes to live with them, Pearl has to move in to Lexie's bedroom. Both of the girls knows this isn't going to be easy and they have to adjust to make it work. Filled with humor and realistic family situations, the story takes an emotional turn when it becomes evident that their beloved grandfather has dementia. Sibling rivalry, distracted parents, and aging grandparents aren't new elements in children's literature but Martin's expertise at capturing a character's authentic voice brings a high level of depth and meaning to this work. The longing to be like her sister comes across loud and clear and will resonate with readers who are, or have, younger siblings or are just trying to find their way with various relationships. Give this book to those who have loved Beverly Cleary's Beezus and Ramona (Morrow, 1955) and to graduates of Peggy Gifford's "Moxy Maxwell" stories (Random).--Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for "TEN RULES FOR LIVING WITH MY SISTER" "Ann M. Martin gives us the real deal in this easy-to-read, eventful novel." —ReadKiddoRead.com "Martin, from her Baby-sitters Club days, knows all the ins and outs of Pearl's demographic, and the nine-year-old's travails will surely resonate with the intended audience." —"Horn Book Magazine" Praise for "EVERYTHING FOR A DOG
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"[Martin] artfully alternates and gradually weaves together threads from the canine and human tales until the three stories converge in time and space into a completely heartwarming and satisfying finale. Essential fare for fans of the perfectly crafted canine tale."—"Kirkus Reviews," Starred Review "Beautifully crafted... Each point of view is compelling on its own, but the smooth convergence of the characters' heartwrenching histories shows exceptional engineering and artistry. Animal lovers of all ages will cherish this moving tale of man's—or in this case, boy's—best friend." - "Publishers Weekly," S