The Secret Box

Pearson serves up five linked stories about sibling relationships, executing them with varied success. The first, about 12-year-old Taylor's crush on her brother Toby's best friend, Rudy (who turns out to be a shoplifter), is marred by stereotyped characterizations and cliches (""As they sped up Interstate 580 toward the San Francisco Bay Bridge, Taylor had to pinch herself""). The heroine does, however, appear less plastic in a later story, when she creatively vents her fury at Toby after he abuses the cat she has found. Pearson's writing is least strained when she relates the ups and downs of Lindsey and Eric de Merit, first introduced in One Potato, Tu. Humor balances poignancy in scenes set at the de Merit home, in their car (Eric causes a couple of fender benders and accidentally runs over his mother's computer) and at Aunt Flo's apartment, where a formal memorial service is held for ""Cousin"" Dolores, Flo's mangy mutt. While this volume does not have as much sparkle as the author's first book, it still rewards the reader with memorable moments. Ages 8-12. (May)