PIPER REED

Fourth-grader Piper Reed’s life is a moving experience, but not the way you might think. Her father is a Navy aircraft mechanic who gets transferred often, this time to Pensacola, Fla.—and in the middle of the school year! Older sister Tori is convinced the Navy is ruining her life, but her little sister Sam, the prodigy, is excited. Piper wastes no time starting a new Gypsy Club even though there’s no club tree house like she had in her last yard. To make up for it, she promises those she invites that there’ll be a real Gypsy fortune-teller at the first meeting. But Sam’s flimsy imitation just causes disbelief until Tori takes over, complete with turban and a pink bowling ball that serves as her crystal ball. Piper’s lively imagination, wholesomeness and moments of “sister magic” are likable and believable. This easy chapter book, based on Holt’s own experiences, is spot on with the details of roving family life. Davenier’s fluid black-and-white drawings fit the mood and characters but at times distort facial expressions. Launching a new series, Piper’s foray sets sail with verve, fun and spunk. (Fiction. 7-10)