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4-6
Sixth grader Cricket lies easily and has an overactive imagination, which gets her into trouble with everyone but her unconventional grandmother, Dodo. When Dodo's dementia takes a steep dive while Cricket's Manhattan-socialite parents are away, Cricket manages the situation and does some growing up. Cricket and Dodo are appealing enough, but the parents are cardboard characters who occupy too much of the book's space.
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4-6
Veronica wants two things: to make friends with the popular girls at her new Manhattan private school and to adopt a beagle puppy named Cadbury. Both goals come with their own challenges. There are genuinely funny moments, but readers will be thrown off when what's packaged as comedy becomes a tragic--and melodramatic--story. Still, Veronica's journey back from grief is hopeful.