WAIT FOR ME
by Susan Shreve & illustrated by Diane de Groat
Youngest of four, fifth-grader Molly has suddenly reached the point when it's time to be something more than the family baby. Her sibs are all in teen transitions: reliable confidante Sarah is preoccupied with a boyfriend, and seventh-grader Ellie won't even speak to Molly anymore. Even Mom, now practicing law like Dad, advises that ``You'll have to begin to make your very own life.'' And so Molly does, though at first reluctantly. Being put in a different class from her two best friends ultimately helps the process; perceptively, Shreve shows Molly feeling hurt when they add a new girl to the group but eventually realizing that the others have no wish to slight her. In a satisfying conclusion, Molly's family turns up to watch as she wins the 100- yard dash she's been training for. Warm and believable, an appealing story about a nice kid emerging from predictable growing pains with energy and style. Illustration not seen. (Fiction. 8-11)