• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 5 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Forget social studies, math, and science -- this hilarious novel is about surviving some of the real problems tween girls face in the sixth grade. Honest and heartwarming, the story follows eleven-year-old Becky Lennox over the course of the school year as she figures out how to survive friendships, first crushes, embarrassing parents and annoying older brothers.

This award-wnning novel from emerging author Catherine Austen is a sure-fire hit for tween girls.

Catherine Austen was raised in Kingston, Ontario, the youngest of five children. She studied political science at Queen's University and environmental studies at York University. While procrastinating in the face of exams, she wrote several short stories for literary journals. She worked through the 1990s in Canada's conservation movement, campaigning for federal endangered species legislation. In 2000, Catherine quit office life to raise her children and work as a freelance writer for environmental organizations and First Nations. While procrastinating in the face of deadlines, she began writing children's fiction. Catherine writes from her home in Quebec, which she shares with her husband, Geoff, and their children, Sawyer and Daimon.

Catherine Austen's profile page

• Winner, Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award
• Winner, Quebec Writers' Federation Children's and Young Adult Literature Prize

"...a simply told yet fast-paced and colourful blend of humour and drama...well-rounded, credible characters. This book will certainly appeal to female readers. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Delightful and spot on for the middle grade experience...what a fun choice for a mother daughter book club. Laugh out loud funny and great opportunities for moms to share their own sixth grade experiences as they flood back after reading this."

Just Deb - http://www.debamarshall.com

"Becky Lennox...is a character that readers will love right from the hilarious opening paragraph. I love the message the story delivered: if you have a sense of humour, an annoying family, and an open heart, you already have everything you need to survive."

Jury Citation, QWF Childrens and YA Literature Prize

"The page design is appealing, with great doodles on almost every page..."

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Funny Fun!

by Carmelita Cechetto-Shea