Confessions of a Reluctant Elf

Megan Gallagher's father is head Santa at the local department store, her mother serves red-and-green dinners at Christmastime (green mashed potatoes and red applesauce are on one menu) and her older sister wears a different Christmas pin every day of her college vacation. Megan, known to her parents as the Scrooge of Lilac Lane, is none too thrilled about being coopted to play Sparkle the head elf to Daddy's Santa, but she's plenty perky all the same, using the holiday season to snag a boyfriend and help a homeless boy. Despite some subversive moments, this one is essentially all sunshine and light. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)