News from Me, Lucy McGee by Mary Amato
Published by Holiday House on October 9th 2018
ISBN: 0823438716
Pages: 144
Goodreads

Nine-year-old Lucy McGee learns the true meaning of friendship as well as the consequences of not telling the truth in Mary Amato’s News From Me, Lucy McGee. The story unfolds as Lucy must decide between attending Phillip’s songwriting club or Scarlett’s craft club. Only Scarlett, the most popular girl in school, is using Lucy’s desire for status to manipulate her to do her bidding, with disastrous results!

The book illuminates the universal need for friendship, respect, recognition, and self-expression.  Important life lessons are taught with good humor and inventive song lyrics integrated throughout the story. Amato is on point in how she describes feelings and what they mean. Definitely a great conversation starter between children and those who care for them.

Meserve’s illustrations are simple and compliment the text, leaving room for the reader to put themselves in Lucy’s shoes.  This new series is sure to be highly demanded. Best suited for readers 8 – 10 years of age.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library