MUSTACHES FOR MADDIE, by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown

The story: 6th grade Maddie's life--complete with bullies, Shakespeare, and tough decisions about standing up--is turned upside down when she finds out she has a brain tumor. Now it's the turn of her classmates to rally around her, and they do: complete with mustaches (Maddie's signature fashion accessory). But there's a big surgery coming up, and no guarantee Maddie will make it through. What can anyone do?

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 (significant illness, somewhat graphic descriptions of brain surgery) PG; overall rating G.

Liz's comments: I thought this one was charming. Interestingly, Kirkus Reviews dissed the book they thought was too "squeaky clean", which somehow I don't find to be a disadvantage. Maddie is upbeat and does her best to face her trial with courage; her family is supportive and is seen (gasp!) actually praying for her. Maddie is empathetic, and comes to realize that even bullies have difficult back stories. Good for her. (And good for the author's family, whose own daughter Maddie actually did have a brain tumor and made a complete recovery.) Maddie is in 6th grade, but is still in elementary school, so this book is best for grades 4-6. Give it to any kid who liked R.J. Palacios's book "Wonder".