She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah)

Bestselling author Hood (The Obituary Writer) revisits Beatlemania through her narrator Trudy Mixer, a sixth grader growing up in Rhode Island in 1966. School has been great for Trudy and her best friend, Michelle—that is until Trudy returns from spring break, when everything changes. A substitute teacher calls Trudy by her hated real name, Gertrude, and the name sticks. Michelle acts aloof and sits with future cheerleaders Becky and Kimberly during lunch, practically ignoring Trudy. To make matters worse, hardly anyone shows up to Trudy’s Beatles fan club meeting—only the least popular kids in her grade. When Trudy learns that the Beatles are playing in Boston in August, she decides the solution to all her problems is meeting Paul McCartney, and formulates a plan to bring the three remaining club members with her. Hood alludes to unfolding events of historical significance, including the Vietnam War, but keeps the focus on Trudy’s personal fascinations and concerns. Beatles song titles are used as chapter headings that thematically relate back to incidents in Trudy’s life (including “We Can Work It Out” and “From Me to You”). This charming coming-of-age story acts as a time capsule, offering contemporary readers a glimpse into life in the 1960s while exploring issues young people face in every generation. Ages 10–up. [em]Agent: Gail Hochman, Brandt & Hochman. (June) [/em]