Eleven-year-old Amelia's still adjusting to her parents' separation and living with her mom in a different neighborhood, where neighbors keep to themselves. She's intrigued when Duke and Gabriella rent their basement apartment, and she's fascinated when she discovers they're operating a rescue there for unusual animals, including reptiles and birds. When Amelia's mom finds out, she evicts them, but Amelia likes Duke, Gabriella, and the animals, and she determines to find a way they can stay. Meantime, the animals' care is expensive, especially when tortoise Winston, Amelia's favorite, becomes ill. To help raise funds, Amelia and her friends write to famous people soliciting money and clip coupons for neighbors, whom they ask to donate the savings. Progressively, her neighbors start uniting, bringing connection, support, and possibilities. Though some story elements can be a stretch, Amelia's issues, like dealing with her dad's new relationship and finding a sense of community, are sympathetically portrayed. While some pop-culture and celebrity references may become dated, the short, manageable chapters lend readability, and this will especially appeal to animal-lovers and -caregivers.

Gr 4-6 Eleven-year-old Amelia is struggling to adjust to a new Vancouver neighborhood in the aftermath of her parents' separation. All of her new neighbors seem unfriendly, snobby, and even scary. Her father is starting fresh with a new family, while her newly single mother, Diane, is trying to make ends meet by renting out their dark, low-ceilinged apartment in the basement. Amelia feels relieved when Duke and Gabriella rent the apartment, as they seem friendly and fun. However, Amelia quickly discovers that the new tenants were not forthcoming about their myriad animal companions. Now, she must keep them from getting evictedby her own mother! Animal lovers will appreciate the descriptions and personalities of Amelia's new animal friends, which include reptiles of all shapes and sizes, a bird who lost his feathers, and even some hammock-loving ferrets. The story is not without flaws; Amelia's conflicted feelings and confusing relationship with her semiestranged father are not fully explored. A side plot involving Queen Elizabeth II detracts from the authenticity of the story and could have been omitted. Readers will nonetheless enjoy Amelia's journey to a predictable but satisfying conclusion and cheer her realization that first impressions don't need to be final ones. VERDICT Fans of Paul Fleischman's Seedfolks (HarperCollins, 1997) will enjoy this tale that celebrates the power of community to help and heal. Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH