Middle of the Sandwich Is the Best Part

With a genius for an older sister and a younger brother who's a gifted pianist, Betsi feels remarkably unspectacular. To rectify the situation, she sets out to achieve some noteworthy goal in time for her 12th birthday, less than two weeks away. Attempts at a modeling career and a new invention--strawberry brownies--prove unfruitful, so best pal Tammy decides that a surefire way for Betsi to acquire status is to become the only sixth grader with a boyfriend. Herein lies another problem, since Betsi can barely find the courage to talk to the object of her affections. After some tortuous turns along a bumpy road Betsi realizes that she's special just as she is. Miller has created a sweetly comical heroine who shines through her first-person narrative. Although the numerous diary entries and love notes from Grandma are cloying and the resolution has a deus ex machina quality, these minor flaws will probably be overlooked by an appreciative middle grade audience. Ages 9-12. (Sept.)