Almost Starrg Skinnybn

Alex Frankovitch figures that he has finally made it. Having won the National Kitty Fritters Commercial Contest, he hopes to impress the folks back home. At last, he thinks, he will shed his humiliating nickname ""Skinnybones'' and develop a new, more powerful persona through a successful TV career. There is just one hitch: Alex's big break into commercials is as a wimpy, six-year-old weakling, wearing a Davy Crockett cap and pulling a red wagon. To further compound his problems, his nemesis Annabelle Posey is enjoying his discomfort, and Alex can't even land the lead in the Christmas play. This lively sequel to Skinnybones won't disappoint readers; once again, Alex's struggles to reconcile his dreams with the rough realities of middle school are related in a humorous, fast-moving style. Ages 8-12. (March)