WHAT DO WE DO NOW, GEORGE?
by Helen McCann & illustrated by Ellen Eagle
A hearty, hilarious story about a precocious young fund- raiser and his group of dupes—er, friends. George, who has his eye on a new skateboard, has heard that charities are not only about gathering contributions but about skimming off a percentage of the profits for personal use. With friends Stick, Tub, Julia, and Sharon, George tries to raise money for new equipment and books for his school, but all their efforts put them in debt—until a crackling subplot involving a garden gnome nabs a reward for all. McCann relies on rapid-fire dialogue, a keen understanding of the dynamics of young minds, and a sure hand with slapstick to depict George's travails. He's a funny hero, quite capable of frustrating both friends and adults. Readers will love him. Illus. not seen. (Fiction. 10-14)*justify no*