Mercy Hospital: Crisis!

When Bernie, Nichole and Shelley begin volunteering at Mercy Hospital, each is confronted with a dilemma. Bernie is forced to choose between her job and a special friend; Nichole needs to overcome her fear of sickness and hospitals; Shelley must find a way to earn an income while remaining a hospital volunteer. As each girl finds a solution to her problem, she discovers how much helping others and being responsible means to her. Middle readers may be drawn to this series because they can identify with the characters. However, the narrative is filled with bland adjectives (``pretty,'' ``nice'') and dull descriptions that tell instead of show (``It was clear that coming to the hangout after practice to meet his friends was really important to him''). The highly predictable plot demands little of the reader's imagination. Ages 8-12. (Feb.)