Ever since Maddie's scientist grandfather died, she's been carrying on his traditional approach to problem-solving: there's a standard operating procedure (SOP) for everything. Maddie writes down her step-by-step solutions in her trusty science notebook, and they're for everything from "How to Survive a Needle" (she and her sister, Brooke, have a hereditary blood disease that requires plenty of trips to the doctor) to "How to Be Friendly" (Maddie's best friend switched schools, leaving Maddie alone at lunch). But these days, the SOPs aren't doing their job. Brooke isn't taking their illness seriously, and Maddie doesn't know how to convince her. Then there's Riley, the new science-obsessed girl who just moved to town and is trying to be Maddie's friend only she weren't so annoying. Practical Maddie has a lot to learn about other people, and her journey will be an eye-opening one for many. Science-minded readers will cheer to meet their match in Maddie as she conquers her demons and learns what exactly it means to have d be friend.

Scientifically minded Madeline Little, an 11-year-old with an inherited blood-clotting disorder, is beginning middle school with two chips on her shoulder. One is fueled by resentment that her best friend has transferred to a private school. The other involves her anger over her parents- decision to sell her scientist grandfather-s house now that he has died. Madeline-s feelings emerge as sarcasm and meanness toward her peers, but after a series of disasters, she recognizes that although she shares her grandfather-s passion for microbiology, she hasn-t followed his advice: -The most important thing in life is to be kind. Always kind.- This portrait of a complicated preteen contains perhaps a few too many issues and simultaneously occurring crises to be thoroughly explored and convincingly resolved, including Madeline-s struggles with friends old and new, a serious mishap at her father-s lab, and her older sister-s brush with death. Even so, first-time author Teagan underscores the importance of compassion and forgiveness as she provides thoughtful insight into a girl working hard to try to maintain control over a life filled with unwelcome developments. Ages 10-12. Agent: Marie Lamba, Jennifer De Chiara Literary. (Nov.)