Yours Truly, Shirley

Reader reviewed by bookworm9

The title of this book is actually "Yours TUrly, Shirley," because the title character is dyslexic and can't spell. Shirley is already worried about 4th grade, but she has more on her mind after her parents suddenly adopt an 8 year old Vietnamese girl. Shirley loves showing her new sister, Jackie, the ropes, but when Jackie turns out to be a genius, Shirley can't help but feel jealous. And when it looks like Shirley might be held back a year at school (putting her in the same grade as Jackie), she decides to run away.

Ann M. Martin is known for her implausible plots, and Jackie's very fast adoption and her easy adaptation to her new life and family fall under this category. However, Shirley's struggles in school and her realization of her true talent (art), make for a nice story for younger readers.