Best. Night. Ever

Gr 4–7—Readers are immersed in one night of zany antics and the embarrassing moments of seven middle school narrators. Seven middle grade authors, including Alison Cherry, Gail Nall, and Ronni Arno, each write from the perspective of a different main character, all of whom are about to embark on their first school dance. The highlight of the night is a live performance by the all-girl band Heart Grenade. The lead singer is off at a family wedding, the backup singer—turned—lead has stage fright, and a girl from a different band is out to sabotage their TV debut. Miscommunication and hurt feelings abound in the days leading up to the big dance. The wallflower is tricked into thinking that she has a date, and her stepsister, upset at being grounded, drives a lawn mower with the girls she is babysitting all the way to the school. Readers will laugh as they learn of the misgivings, revenge, and eye-opening revelations that ensue.