Edwina Victorious

In this perky novel for early readers, a girl learns that with gumption (and a little help) she can fight city hall--and win. When an injury forces her wealthy great-grandaunt and namesake to move into a senior residence, young Edwina Osgood--better known to her family and friends as Eddy--helps clean out her aunt's attic. Among the treasures there Eddy discovers an ancient typewriter and a stash of letters written by her aunt to various community officials more than 40 years ago. Inspired by Aunt Edwina's civic efforts, Eddy soon taps out some letters of her own, requesting that the mayor replace a nearby park's broken swings and clean up a vacant lot. But the letters aren't completely her own; Eddy lifts a few choice phrases from Aunt Edwina's correspondence and forges her aunt's signature so that the mayor will think the letters are coming from an adult. Eddy confesses her deception (to the great surprise of the mayor) but still earns kudos all around for the positive changes she has instigated. Bonners's (The Silver Balloon) jauntily paced tale introduces a likable heroine's awakening to community activism and her struggle with issues of honesty without ever getting heavy-handed. Things may fall a bit neatly into place, but young readers will likely see their neighborhoods with new eyes. Ages 7-10. (Oct.)