STAR SHINE

When their stage-struck mother joins a summer theater group, Jenny and Mary learn to take care of themselves until a movie company comes to town and Jenny lands a part.

Grade 5-8 The stars don't shine because this book lacks both the plot and zaniness that typifies Greene's work. Jenny and Mary's mother leaves them for the summer to go on tour as an actress; Dad must hold things together in her absence. There is a hint of insecurity about Mom's departure, but it lacks depth, as does the benign trouble the girls find. Mary is excited about the prospect of a role in a movie being filmed locally. Jenny is selected, however, and she could care less about the opportunity. Jenny, who hacks away at her hair with manicure sissors and sucks her thumbat age 11is well defined. Unfortunately, most of the other characters are shallow, especially the mother. Typical of Greene's books, this one also stresses values over action and tries to prove that things are not always as they seem on the surface. Judie Porter, Media Services Center, Portsmouth School Department, R.I.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.