STUPID CUPID

The Valentine installment of the ``Holiday Five'' series demonstrates once more Cooper's grasp of the concerns of young teens. The focus is on Maddy, whose mother would like her to lose a few pounds; Maddy feels as if every bite of food she takes is scrutinized. But when new boy Tony hits town, Maddy severely restricts her diet, to the detriment of her own good humor. Out of sorts from the diet, she is doubly devastated when Tony is more interested in Lia, Maddy's friend from camp, than he is in her. The few pointers on nutrition are quietly worked into the story, as are some lessons on the challenges of friendship. All of it is a generous cut above usual series fare, and refreshingly wholesome. (Fiction. 8-12)