When Christmas Comes

Callie has been hoping since before last Christmas that her mother will come home, so when her dad announces that he is remarrying, Callie is upset. Even though she likes Fran, and would love to live in a house like a real family, and even though her mom has sent only a few postcards (and no forwarding address), she is scared of the change. When they move to a trailer park, the intrigues of the small community help distract Callie from her family troubles. A stray dog and a Christmas-decoration contest add interest to Callie's story. Though this time her telling lacks the sparkle of comparable works by Beverly Cleary, Helen Cresswell or Mary Stolz, Hill handles the familiar plot well, with a well-realized setting and good pacing. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)