New Girl in Town (Liberty Porter, First Daughter)
Gr 3-5–Liberty faces her first day at a new school in Washington, DC, and, like any fourth grader, she's excited and nervous about making new friends. Her welcoming and friendly nature backfires, however, when she won't join an exclusive threesome of girls in her class. One presidential-like speech later, Liberty points out that she can't be perfect but she does want to be friends with everyone who wants to be friends with her. This book ends with a playdate at the White House and a freeze-dance contest hosted by her parents. Liberty Porter is a spunky, winning girl with a deep love of chocolate and beanie dogs. She faces tough choices in her everyday life as the president's daughter and just another fourth grader. The young age of the current First Daughters, and an African-American Liberty pictured on the cover, make this series an obvious draw for kids interested in White House life. DeVillers keeps things on the light side, with plenty of presidential jokes. This is a quick fun read in which everything comes out right in the end. Black-and-white illustrations, some full page, feature the people and activities in Liberty's life. Reluctant readers may be put off by the inconsistent chapter length, but overall a solid choice.Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, KY© Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.