Twelve Year Old Vows Revenge

Shirley Garfield and Claire Van Kemp are sworn enemies who feud even on the last day of sixth grade. Shirley recognizes her golden opportunity for revenge when she's recruited as the sole reporter for a new ``kids only'' newspaper. But before she can write a piece that will really mortify Claire, the budding journalist overhears Claire trying to steal her job. Shirley then learns of a fib Claire had told, and writes a scathing expose that forces Claire to start her own newspaper. It has only one article--a wild story about Shirley that soon has the town buzzing. In this fourth title in the Life and Times of the Kids from New Eden series, Roos's dialogue displays a sharp, distinctive wit. Never mind that the fast-paced narrative, alternately told from each protagonist's perspective, stretches credibility on occasion; readers will delight in the antics of Shirley and Claire as they discover the consequences of vindictive and irresponsible journalism. Ages 8-12. (June)