I DON'T KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS, by J.B. Cheaney

The story: Since Father is away fighting in WWI France, Isobel's family makes a visit to sunny Los Angeles, where everyone is caught up in the brand-new art of movies--even Izzy's cousin Ranger. He and best buddy Sam have been bitten by the movie bug, and are "borrowing" a camera on the sly to make a movie of their own. Before the girls know it, Izzy and younger sister Sylvia have been roped into helping with the "picture"--a welcome distraction to their worries about their absent dad. One hair-raising scheme after another, and Father's unexpected return from France, make this a summer to remember (even if it WASN'T captured on film forever!).

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G: Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (the ravages of war; psychological distress of dealing with the war wounded; misleading parents) PG; overall rating G.

Liz's comments: This is a charming, humorous, action-filled story. The author's sparking prose is as sunny as a California vacation all by itself! The fact that the kids can run around unsupervised as they do is a tribute to a less complicated time--although it's clear that movie-star adoration has been around since the very beginning. Hand this one to any kid willing to read historical fiction, especially to fan of Calpurnia Tate.