CHARLOTTE SHAKESPEARE AND ANNIE THE GREAT
By
A third adventure for the irrepressible Charlotte, who now directs her laser-like energies toward shy best-friend Annie. Charlotte has written the sixth-grade's Halloween play, adapting her own mishaps to a tale about Carlotta, a young witch, a part she intends for Annie. Annie is reluctant until coaching from Charlotte's father reveals her hidden talent; but instead of being delighted, Charlotte feels jealous as Annie flowers as a performer and Charlotte loses her usual place at the center of attention. Meanwhile, older sister Ruth's new cockatiel also diverts attention from Charlotte, until her nose is so out of joint that she's hoping for disaster on all fronts. Then the cockatiel's sudden death forces Charlotte to confront her selfish anger and need for attention. As in the previous books, the lesson Charlotte learns is couched in a story humorous enough to cut the didactic edge. Sharply observed (especially the sibling rivalry), realistic, and funny.