Sophie Simon Solves Them All
Gr 3-4–Sophie Simon is the smartest girl in third grade, and perhaps in the world. Her parents are worried because she refuses to make friends at school–she would rather have her nose in a book. She is fascinated by calculus and would do anything to own a graphing calculator. After being caught reading Principles of Civil Disobedience during math, her teacher, Mr. St. Cupid, asks her about the book in front of the class. From this point on, Sophie's classmates look to her for advice. Sophie's problem is not having the calculator, so she asks them to pay her to solve their problems. She agrees to assist Daisy with a sit-in during a ballet recital she doesn't want to participate in, gets Julia a newspaper assignment so she won't have to drop out of the journalism club, and helps Owen to get a pet by using reverse psychology on his mom. Through a series of lively and humorous events, Sophie ends up with something she hadn't counted on–friends. The reading level is perfect for those who have already transitioned to easy chapter books but want a higher vocabulary and plot complexity. The story concludes with "Sophie Simon's Encyclopedia of Things She Can't Believe You Don't Know Already," which is a glossary of terms and phrases used in the book. Black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout.Janet Weber, Tigard Public Library, OR© Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.