ROXIE AND THE HOOLIGANS

Nine-year-old Roxie Warbler knows a lot about dangers and pitfalls and how to overcome them; she is the niece of Uncle Dangerfoot, the sidekick of Lord Thistlebottom, the world-famous adventurer and author. But, though she has memorized the survival tips, she is a fearful little girl, afraid of thunder and lightning, floods and tornadoes and the gang of mean kids at school. Helvetia’s Hooligans are merciless in their assessment of Roxanne’s oversized ears. When Roxie ends up in a dumpster on her way out to sea with the Hooligans, she has to dig deep into her bag of survival tricks. In this genial melodrama, young readers will cheer for Roxie as she learns, above all, not to panic. With the help of her kind and attentive friend Norman, Roxie saves the day, makes friends with the Hooligans and captures the bank robbers! Uncle Dangerfoot and Lord Thistlebottom could not be prouder. Three cheers—and some gingersnaps and lemonade—for Roxie, the girl who does not panic. Jolly fun. (Fiction. 7-10)