Next-Door Neighbors

In 1957, Peggy Davies's family moves when her minister father gets a new church. Shy Peggy's adjustments are the focus of this undramatic yet moving novel. The lie she tells to be popular inevitably rebounds. She reluctantly becomes friends vary wording? ``befriend'' below with her younger, nerdy neighbor, George, and together the pair defies the small-town social taboos by befriending a Chinese gardener. Peggy's small victories and adventures add up to a convincing portrayal of quiet maturation. Ellis's ( A Family Project ) evocation of characters in a more peaceful era will have readers looking forward to more of her well-told and comforting novels. Ages 9-12. (Apr.)