Pick-Up Sticks

When their apartment is sold, eighth grader Polly and her mother must relocate. The youngster is infuriated that her frequently addled mother has put off finding an apartment until so late. So Polly moves in with her wealthy aunt and uncle, who have every material advantage. The girl soon discovers, however, that her mother is her real family, despite her eccentricity and shaky financial situation. The Canadian setting--here, Toronto--lends an intriguing, slightly foreign air to this comfortable look at adolescent enlightenment. Ellis ( Next-Door Neighbors ) doesn't dazzle, but neither does she stumble as she covers Polly's problems. Her quiet, nonintrusive style is well suited to this slight story, in which she offers a welcome look at how a girl's healthy--albeit unusual--family configuration allows her to grow and figure out what's important for herself. Ages 12-up. (Jan.)