Roommates and Rachel - Hardcover

Grade 1-3-- In this sequel to Roommates (McElderry, 1990), Beth and Mimi find that their lives change somewhat when a new baby arrives. They must now share a bedroom and take on a few household responsibilities. Mother seems grumpy some of the time, too, and they begin to wonder just what is so special about this new sister, who seems to upset the household routine on schedule. But, with the help of a Christmas/Hanukkah party at school and a quiet Christmas Eve around their family tree, they come to realize that Rachel is, indeed, quite wonderful. Early chapter-book readers will find the warmth of this story comforting and the portrayal of the family a reassuring one. The story of the girls' adjustment to a new situation is delivered through an empathetic text, manageable vocabulary, and very credible characters. With just the right combination of worry, suspense, and surprise, it's bound to keep readers' interest from beginning to satisfying ending. The realistic pencil sketches found throughout unfailingly sustain the action and emotion. --Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elementary School, OH
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.