The Rock Star, the Rooster, and Me, the Reporter

In a series of loosely connected vignettes, Mandy Simon describes her fifth grade year. Mandy thinks school is great, especially Mr. Popper, her offbeat teacher who encourages Mandy's class to be creative. The only bad thing about school is Jonathan Adler, who constantly annoys Mandy and gets her in trouble. Surprisingly, however, they wind up becoming friends. During the winter holidays Mandy and her best friend, Lisa, win a window-painting contest, and receive tickets to see their favorite rock star in concert. In her first book, Shalant displays an ear nicely attuned to the trials and tribulations of fifth graders. There is little depth in plot or character, but readers will be able to identify with Mandy's antic adventures. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)