Switched at Birthday

Gr 4–6—Lavender and Scarlet are as different as two people can be. Scarlet is tall, blond, and popular while Lavender is short, stumpy, and so covered with dark hair that she is called Yeti, Furby, or Hairball. The only common factor shared between them is their birth date. Hoping to get the leading role in the school play, they each recite a good-luck verse told to them by the drama teacher. Upon awakening, they find themselves in the other's body. In this tale of winners and losers, bullies and victims, Standiford creates authentic characters in situations most middle schoolers have experienced or witnessed. Scarlet is called the Plastic Princess by her stepbrother, yet Lavender as Scarlet tames her vanity a bit and tries to befriend him. On the other hand, Scarlet as Lavender becomes much more attentive to her hygiene and appearance. As the girls are forced to work together to figure out how to switch back they become supportive and loyal to each other. Standiford makes a statement about self-identity and empathy without moralizing. The magic and humor of the situations combine to create an enjoyable story.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH