Mariah Loves Rock

Mariah, 11, has always felt close to her family. She loves her tall, handsome father, her energetic mother and slightly weird sister Lynn. Her number-one love, however, is Sheik Bashara, a dazzling rock star. So when Mariah learns that Sheik Bashara will be performing in her town, she is ecstatic. The problem? Mariah's stepsister Denise, whom she refers to as ``Daddy's daughter,'' instead of ``my sister,'' is coming to live with them and money is a little tight. But Mariah is upset not only because of the concert, but also because she doesn't want to share her father with her stepsister. Walter ( Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World ) has taken an unusual approach in this sensitive novel. She deals with the tensions created within Mariah's family before the arrival of Denise, rather than focusing on the adjustments that will take place after she has arrived. A warm, thought-provoking book. Ages 10-12. (August)