Girlfriends Read

Becca has frequently gone with her parents to visit her Gran at her rustic cabin by the sea.  But this year, Becca's mother is expecting a baby, and Becca is sent to visit her grandmother on her own.  The prospect of spending time at Gran's---with her peculiar plumbing and ridiculous Scrabble rules---is hardly appealing.  Then, on her very first night, Becca finds an oyster full of pearls.  One pearl for every adventure to come?  Becca desperately hopes so, as much as she longs for a friend to share them with.

The four Melendy children live with their father and Cuffy, their beloved housekeeper, in a worn, but comfortable, brownstone in New York City.  There is thirteen-year-old Mona, who has decided to become an actress; twelve-year-old mischievous Rush; ten-year-old Randy (Miranda), who loves to dance and paint; and thoughtful Oliver, who is just six.  Tired of wasting Saturdays doing nothing but wishing for larger allowances, the four Melendys jump at Randy's idea to start the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club, also known as I.S.A.A.C.  If they pool their allowances and tak

Lucy is an aspiring basketball star and interior designer, and she is certain that she is on the verge of having the best year of her life.  She is ready to rule the school as a sixth grader, try out for captain of the the sixth-grade basketball team, and take over the bedroom she has always shared with her older sister, Regina.

"We are a family on a journey to a place called Wonderful."

That is the motto of the Malone family of Gary, Indiana.  Twelve-year-old Deza Malone is the smartest student in her class, told by her teachers that she is destined for a special path in life.  Her older brother, Jimmie, is no angel, but he can sing like one, and when he does, people stop to listen.