How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied

Gr 4–7—Ana and her best friend, Livia, always celebrate their half-birthdays together. Every year, they make the exact same wish at the exact same time as they each bite into cupcakes. Typically, this is easy to do, but Livia recently moved from Denver to New Zealand. When Livia doesn't answer her video chat and Ana's obnoxious twin brother, Daz, finishes her cupcake before she could make her wish, Ana is left facing the bullying Sneerers, unrequited crushes, and potential unwanted fame alone. This is a serviceable middle-grade novel featuring an authentic protagonist and well-paced humor. Beginning each chapter with an animal fact (and Ana's sarcastic responses) feels natural to the narative, but the "Creature File" animal descriptions of human characters don't feel fully thought out and are too sporadic to add interest. Ana's relationships with her parents and grandfather are a perfect blend of respect and frustration, while her lack of self-confidence will resonate with readers. While Keating doesn't tread any new ground, there is a lot to like throughout, especially about Ana. Recommended for fans of Coco Simon's "Cupcake Diaries" and Stuart Gibbs's "FunJungle" series (both S. & S.).—Amanda Augsburger, Moline Public Library, IL