Halfway to Perfect

Gr 2–4—When Dyamonde and her friend overhear popular girls talking in the bathroom about weight, Damarius becomes a bit obsessed about hers. The themes of self-depreciation and unhealthy nutrition come to a head when Amberline faints during a fire drill and classmates learn that she's diabetic. When Dyamonde and Damarius try to befriend her, she tells them how lucky they are. Finally Damaris accepts what Dyamonde has been trying to tell her: that she is "halfway to perfect." The message about self-acceptance and counting your blessings is a good one, and librarians will love that Dyamonde immediately heads to the library after school to learn more about diabetes. As in the previous novels in this series (Almost Zero), Grimes once again delivers a great story with a noteworthy theme. The author provides excellent narration. This reasonably priced title is highly recommended for libraries with children's audiobook collections.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI