Dinah Forever

Seventh grade looks promising for Dinah Seabrooke, star of Dynamite Dinah and Dinah for President, until she learns from her science teacher that the sun is going to burn out in a ``mere'' five billion years. Distraught that all human accomplishments will vaporize along with the earth, Dinah sees little use in trying to run for class president again, pursuing her environmental causes or making amends with her boyfriend Nick after they quarrel. Only after the loss of a dear friend, 83-year-old Mrs. Briscoe, does Dinah come to recognize the value of life. Demonstrating admirable insight as well as humor, Mills conveys the angst of a 12-year-old girl confronting mortality for the first time. The young protagonist's passion for drama and her competitive drive are as prominent here as in previous Dinah books. Not for a moment will readers will doubt that Dinah's woes will be short-lived; even as she wallows in self-pity, Dinah's irrepressible spirit shines brightly. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)