Joan Bauer's five other novels offer continued laughs, tears, and excitement with gutsy, lovable characters very similar to Hope. Her first novel, Squashed, explores the art of raising giant pumpkins while its main character Ellie battles a weight problem, the loss of her mother, and makes desperate attempts to gain her father's approval. She, like Hope, lives in a nontraditional family and survives the temptations to give up when things get tough. Thwonk features A. J. McCreary's adventures when a stuffed cupid comes to life to grant her long-desired wish. Peter Terris, school hunk, falls completely and totally in love with her, but rather than the thrill of a lifetime, A. J. discovers there is more to love and life than adoring smiles. Rules of the Road follows with super shoe salesgirl, Jenna Boiler.

Jennna struggles with school and competition from her prettier sister...