Genie with the Light Blue Hair

Jean, 15, politely thanks her aunt and uncle for their birthday present to her: an ugly, tarnished lamp with a fat blue candle inside. That night when a storm causes the lights to go out, the lamp proves not only useful, but nothing short of miraculous. Arthur, a blue genie, emerges as soon as the candle is lit. Once Jean accepts that Arthur is indeed a genie, she begins to make wishes. Arthur, however, is slightly confused, which is why Jean's wishes end up badly: she is grounded, becomes a contestant on ``Name That Poison,'' falters on homework assignments, finds herself the daughter of the man she loves and turns into an infamous writer. When Jean and Arthur finally discover and resolve a major mix-up, Jean's life returns to normalonly she has learned something that changes her attitude about herself. This light, humorous novel will amuse readers who enjoy a deft blending of fantasy and reality. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)