Never Trust a Sister Over Twelve

Few novels feature fourth-graders who actually like their older sisters. However, Suki is so devoted to her 12-year-old sibling Ginger, her ``best friend,'' she almost loses the chance to befriend some of the kids in her new school. Luckily, Suki's new pals, the ``hijinxers,'' warn her that sisters who turn 12 also become turncoats. Suki quickly finds herself rebuffed by Ginger, who is more interested in junior high than in spending time with her younger sister. How Suki gets her revenge, and also learns a few things about sibling relationships from her younger brother, is good fun. Told in a lively first-person voice, this novel offers a fresh and unusual look at family dynamics. Suki's appealing propensity for high drama provides a humorous link between events in the story. From a terrible self-inflicted haircut to crashing the junior high dance, Suki adds her own panache to each situation. Portrayed with warmth and gentle understanding, Suki's struggle to accept the changes in her family will surely strike a chord with readers. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)