News from Me, Lucy McGee

Gr 2–5—Lucy McGee always looks on the bright side of life, but she has a dilemma. Her dad signed her up for the Songwriting Club after school, but at recess one of the most popular girls, Scarlett, told her about the new Craft Club and chose Lucy to help her. Lured by the big surprise that Scarlett promised, she decides to skip the Songwriting Club even though it means disappointing her friend Phillip and lying to her parents. It turns out that getting the Craft Club ready means doing all the work that Scarlett dictates. While cleaning and painting wasn't the surprise she had in mind, Lucy remains enthusiastic. But her lying leads to stealing and necessitates more lying before it all comes crashing down around her, and she learns that she wasn't the only one not telling the truth. Despite her missteps, Lucy turns things around and figures out what it really means to be a friend. Readers will relate to likeable Lucy, who is kindhearted and genuine. Short chapters filled with pen-and-ink illustrations keep readers moving quickly through the action.