Lombardo's Law

One year has passed since Justine Trainor and her parents moved from Iowa to a Boston suburb, yet the studious girl remains friendless. When the Lombardos move into the palatial house across the street, Mrs. Trainor hopes that beautiful Heather, 15, will befriend her daughter. But Justine soon realizes that, aside from age, she has little in common with her flighty neighbor; Heather's brother Mike, however, shares several of Justine's traits and interests. Although he's two years younger and inches shorter than she, they become friends, until romantic feelings threaten what was once a comfortable relationship. Wittlinger's first YA novel highlights a common misperception: for an alliance to thrive, males should be older and taller than their female partners (it's only after Justine notices Mike's spurt in height that he becomes irresistible). Forthright and convincing, Justine's first- person narrative brings new life to the ``popular-kids-are-shallow'' cliche. Ages 10-14. (Oct.)