Ruby Lu, Star of the Show by Lenore Look 136 pages

This is Ruby's third outing and she is as charming as before. She and her family survive some tough challenges. Dad loses his job and Mom gets a job. (This is just a little reminiscent of Ramona Quimby's family and Ramona's reactions to Mom stepping out of the house and embracing the work world). Her attempt to raise money for the family shows guts but, shocks her friends' parents. Her new found dog seems to have amazing skills and what subsequently happens to Elvis is skillfully handled. I especially enjoyed the sense of neighborhood. Not all the neighbors are wonderful; but her Dad shows empathy when he gives an unexpected windfall to more deserving neighbors. Many parents will appreciate this alternative to Junie B. Jones.