From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-- Five very different fifth graders move into the same subdivision and end up in the same classroom at school. In competition with the Clovers, a clique of very wealthy girls, the new kids form their own club, the Stars. In the first book, the focus is on a bet the girls make with the Clovers. At stake is the Stars' clubhouse, a 100-year-old stone cottage that the girls fixed up themselves. In the second title, the girls publish a newspaper and learn a lesson about reporting when what they print is incorrect and causes hard feelings. The books have stereotypical characters, unbelievable dialogue, and minimal plot development, and children outside suburban middle- and upper-class schools will have trouble identifying with them. Ephemeral fiction of this type may have its place for beginning recreational readers, but librarians and teachers will want to follow up with suggestions for classier fiction. Competition with another clique of girls is certainly not a mode of thought librarians and teachers will want to promote. Enough is enough! --Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
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