Gr 4-8-Wilma Sturtz is having a lonely time in eighth grade since one of her best friends has moved away and the other has switched to a different school. She feels herself on the outside of the various cliques that have formed and her perceived ostracism is aggravated when a teacher reads one of her essays aloud in class. Wilma's wish-to be the most popular kid at Claverford Junior High-is granted by an old woman on the subway to whom she has given her seat. Jared becomes attracted to her, and though he is not one of the really cool guys, the security of her new popularity allows their friendship to develop. Her new life is everything she could have hoped for, but she realizes that her wish will come to an end in a few weeks with graduation. Wilma is a well-drawn, believable, and likable character. As in Ella Enchanted (HarperCollins, 1997), Levine is on target in her creation of multidimensional characters. Jared is especially appealing in his candor and self-possession. Through the use of fantasy, Levine allows her readers to explore the qualities of true friendship and the very real need for approval and acceptance. An enjoyable, thought-provoking, and absorbing selection.-Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.