Freaky Monday

With help from screenwriter Hach (who wrote the screenplay for the 2003 film adaptation of Freaky Friday ), Rodgers reprises her 1972 novel with this unexceptional follow-up that features teacher and student in the switcheroo roles. Hadley, 13, excels at academics but feels “like the lame consolation prize of the family” compared to her athletic, gorgeous sister, Tatum. Ms. Pitt, who is so devoted to her students she has neglected her own life, has taught both sisters. During a class discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird , she innocently compares Hadley to Tatum, causing teacher and student to simultaneously quote Harper Lee's text about not really understanding a person until you “climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Lights flicker and voilá: Hadley, in Ms. Pitt's body, has instant access to the teacher's lounge, while Ms. Pitt must handle romantic attention from the boy Hadley's been crushing on. A few slapstick scenes occur before the predictable ending in which Hadley realizes that she has talents, Tatum has flaws and Ms. Pitt needs to get out more. Amiable but nothing new. Ages 9–12. (May)