ANGELA AND THE BROKEN HEART

This third Angela story is a complex, episodic weave that follows the three Steele children through much of a school year, with second-grade Angela's concern for her teenage brother Nathaniel (his crush on the mysterious Lola seems to be one- sided) as the binding thread. Meanwhile, Angela cares for a neighbor's cat, tries to read The Wizard of Oz, and misses her vanished chum Eddiewhile planning their wedding in her diary. She also, unsuccessfully, tries to arrange a meeting between Nathaniel and her friend Mandy's beauteous older sister in hopes of assuaging the pain of his failing romance. Rather improbably, when he does get a date it turns out, to Angela's delight, that the sister is Lola. Despite some self-conscious humor a la Kids Say the Darnedest Things, it's a treat to read about involved, busy kids whose troubles are small. Reminiscent of the Quimbys, the Steeles are kind, caring, and share their ups and down with love and concern for each other. A warm, funny story, sure to be popular with Angela's fans. (Fiction. 8-12)