Solay

Melissa Ballard, a New York City native living unhappily in Los Angeles, befriends Solay, a visitor from the planet Zirdonia, the one being who can help her move back to her beloved East Coast.

Grade 3-5-- Ever since her family moved from New York to California, fifth grader Melissa has been miserable. All of her classmates seem to dislike her, and her parents are so absorbed in their own problems with their new jobs that they have no time for her. One night, as she is brooding under a tree, a space ship drops off an alien girl, Solay. Her free, rambunctious spirit, in strong contrast to Melissa's prim and proper nature, gets Melissa into one scrape after another. Both girls learn the true nature of friendship, and, in a rather abrupt wrap-up, Solay returns to her home planet, Melissa figures out how to deal with her tormenters, and her parents suddenly sit up and take notice of her needs. There is very little characterization, but the book's length and attractive cover should draw children looking for a "skinny" book. --Li Stark, North Castle Public Library, Armonk, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Harris ( Come the Morning ) applies a light touch here to everyday problems, namely, the ordinary horrors of elementary school. Fifth grader Melissa Ballard, the brainy, straight-laced new girl from New York City, endures a miserable few months of hazing from her California classmates. Then she is befriended by Solay, a rather brazen girl from another planet who simply appears one day on the hill behind Melissa's house. With Solay's guidance, Melissa cooks up some hilarious plans for revenge. But can Melissa cope with the repercussions? And why has Solay been sent to earth? Most important of all, when is it best to turn the other cheek, and when is it best to stand up for yourself? Harris uses humor to address--not sugarcoat--painful issues of particular relevance to his audience; the result is both sensitive and gloriously entertaining. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.