TRUE BLUE

Molly O'Connor, narrator of this flat-footed tale, feels responsible for the accident that has left her father incapacitated. Forced to move into an apartment, Molly cares for her dad while her mom supports the family as a waitress. The transition into her new school is predictably uneasy, and Molly quickly pairs with an outcast, skinny Chrys Lepido, who never removes his huge overcoat. Teaming up for a simplistic science project about the life cycle of a butterfly, the two seal their friendship. The plot takes a bizarre turn midway when it emerges that Chrys has butterfly wings hidden beneath his coat. Molly seems more dazzled by the fact that Chrys can conjure other winged friends to his side than the appearance of her pal's extra appendages. Incredulously, Chrys unveils his wings to his classmates to garner a science prize. With the prize money, Chrys and Molly buy her father a device that helps him communicate. Readers may be jolted by the fantastic elements and disappointed by the too-tidy end. Ages 10-up. (Sept.)