Ellie’s perceptive, intelligent, and funny narrative keeps the story lively right up to its satisfying conclusion.’ School Library Journal, starred review ‘Fast paced and engrossing entertainment that startles the reader with its underlying strength.’ Publishers Weekly, starred review ‘Skillful plot development and strong characterization are real strengths here. But with unpredictable weather threatening Max, pumpkin thieves running rampant, and Sweet Corn Coquette contestants eyeing Wes, the pressure is great as Ellie seems ready to take on the world. With a trimmer figure, Ellie would have the courage to approach Wes, the new boy in town and former president of the Agriculture Club at Gaithersville High. Ellie could then become a famous pumpkin growing personality and squash that obnoxious Cyril Pool once and for all. With the extra weight, Max would be the shoo in champion at the Rock River Pumpkin Weigh In. Ages 12-up.Sixteen year old Ellie Morgan’s life would be almost perfect if she could just get her potentially prize winning pumpkin, Max, to put on about two hundred more pounds, and if she could lose twenty herself. And via vivid characterizations, crisp, believable dialogue and some exciting scenarios, Bauer keeps her fans hooked for an entertaining ride. The teen's efforts to put her best foot forward pay off in ways she couldn't imagine. But in Bauer's sure hand, Jenna's compassion and burgeoning confidence bubble up when she needs them most and slowly harden into a solid, likeable core. That leaves little time for having fun or for exploring a budding romance with Charlie from the local doughnut shop. Gladstone's insistence) a new hire who once shoplifted shoes from the store. Gladstone's recent merger with a larger company is fraught with problems and Jenna finds herself helping to untangle an unpleasant web of corporate corruption. Bauer takes Jenna emotionally deeper here, as the heroine struggles in her home life-she is trying to accept her now-absent alcoholic father and be supportive of her mother and younger sister-and these challenges are always on her mind, even as things get especially chaotic at work. The road to a job well done is littered with detours, however. , readers accompany Jenna on a personal and professional journey that leaves her standing taller than ever in her Rolling Walkers. In this fittingly kicky companion to Rules of the Road

Lots of teenage girls go crazy for shoes, but 16-year-old Jenna Boller is gaga for the shoe business-especially as it's run by her employer and role model Madeline Gladstone, matriarch of Gladstone Shoes.

Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer