Solay

Harris ( Come the Morning ) applies a light touch here to everyday problems, namely, the ordinary horrors of elementary school. Fifth grader Melissa Ballard, the brainy, straight-laced new girl from New York City, endures a miserable few months of hazing from her California classmates. Then she is befriended by Solay, a rather brazen girl from another planet who simply appears one day on the hill behind Melissa's house. With Solay's guidance, Melissa cooks up some hilarious plans for revenge. But can Melissa cope with the repercussions? And why has Solay been sent to earth? Most important of all, when is it best to turn the other cheek, and when is it best to stand up for yourself? Harris uses humor to address--not sugarcoat--painful issues of particular relevance to his audience; the result is both sensitive and gloriously entertaining. Ages 9-12. (May)