Ballet, cursive, violin . . . Sophie isn’t good at much except crying. She longs for two things: a talent of her own and a tiara. Then her mother suggests that she is good at being kind, so Sophie practices-on Heather, the snobby new girl; on Dr. Holt, her mother’s crotchety patient; and on Nora, her sister. But the road to dignity is a hard one.
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Sophie, 8, has tried ballet, in which her older sister excels. She wishes she could play the violin like her brother. Even horseback riding lessons don't work out. Her mother reminds her that she is good with the baby, at making mashed potatoes, and, most importantly, at being kind, an underrated skill. Sophie decides to fine-tune this quality. She makes a few missteps along the way with a new girl at school, but develops a special bond with an elderly woman, a history professor who unexpectedly helps her to find another special ability thanks to discussions about Queen Victoria-curtsying. The family dynamics are nicely developed and believable as the siblings have their squabbles and the parents are supportive but not overbearing. Sophie is likable and resilient, and readers will identify with her as she works through her school and family situations.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
Sophie, a middle child with no apparent talents, longs to be special. Her attempts to stand out lead her to a rewarding friendship with a cranky elderly woman and an unwanted friendship with a snooty new classmate. Greene's sense of humor and understanding of contemporary family dynamics are as impressive here as in her Owen Foote books.