Pen Pals: Boys Wanted! - Softcover

Grade 5-7-- Four 13-year-old girls who share a suite in a private girls' school are the center of this new series. In the first book, the girls devise a plan to set up a pen-pal exchange with the neighboring boys' school. After several letters back and forth, a school dance is organized so that the pen pals can finally meet. In Too Cute for Words, Palmer is more attracted to Amy's pen pal than her own, and she tries to take him away. Much like the "Babysitter's Club" and the "Cheerleaders" (both Scholastic) books, this series falls short of any literary quality. The plots are simplistic, characters stereotypical, and dialogue unrealistic. Unfortunately, many girls may find them appealing, even though they don't have much to offer in terms of good literature. --Bonnie L. Raasch, C. B. Vernon Middle School, Marion, IA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Palmer, Shanonstet , Amy and Lisa, new to the Alma Stephens School for Girls, run an ad in the newspaper published by Ardsley Academy, an all-boys school. They soon hook up with "The Unknowns," four roommates at Ardsley, and their adventures begin. As with most of today's series, the four heroines are a predictable blend of ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles, of personalities and looks. But Wyeth writes with considerable humor, which adds depth and interest to the story. The four girls, and the reader, can see the funny side of potentially embarrassing situations. This first book in the Pen Pals series is a pleasant--and welcome--surprise. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.