Patty Dillman of Hot Dog Fame

Eighth-grader Patty Dillman, who first appeared in And the Other, Gold , spends her days at St. Ignatius Junior High memorizing the corporal works of mercy and getting into trouble with her best friend Tracy. How can Patty worry about being merciful when Tracy has just talked her into taking ski lessons to hold onto her ski-crazy boyfriend Tim? Between thinking about Tim, arguing with her two brothers and learning to ski, Patty hardly has a moment to do a good deed. Then she signs up to help her mother at a soup kitchen. At first it is a horrible task, until Patty gets to know the men who come for their meals. She hatches a plan to raise money so she can buy them warm gloves, never dreaming that her efforts will bring her subtle, fulfilling rewards. Patty is a lively, believable teenager, with honest concerns and humorous, realistic solutions. This is a spirited follow-up to the first book, breezy and entertaining. Ages 10-up. (May)