After Fortune Cookie

The Godolphins are an important family in Godolphinville, or so Allison has always been told. Her pushy Aunt Bee uses this fact to keep all the Godolphins in line. But when Allison turns 12 she begins to realize that everyone, even Aunt Bee, faces problems and uncertainties. The girl's beloved grandfather, who guides the family with sage fortune-cookie messages, seems to be slipping into senility, and Allison is fearful when Aunt Bee decides he needs ``taking in hand.'' Allison and her cousin Robby cook up a scheme to foil Aunt Bee's plans, but Grandfather ultimately proves capable of looking after himself. Full of moral lessons, this novel is an almost anachronistic look at a small-town extended family unshaken by contemporary problems. The dynamics offer no surprises or challenges, but Blakeslee provides readers with a comforting domestic story. Ages 8-12. (Nov.)