The Grooming of Alice, 12

Growing up--and slimming down--is the tricky proposition in this repackaged installment of the beloved Alice series. The summer before ninth grade is all about getting it right--from head to toe. Alice and her friends want to start high school feeling like they always imagined a true high schooler feels: confident, capable, and pretty. But a little too much time standing in front of a mirror in their bathing suits makes Alice, Pamela, and Elizabeth feel the exact opposite of ready for high school. They have two-and-half months to transform themselves--but when Elizabeth starts taking the weight-loss plan too seriously, Alice worries that growing up (and slimming down) isn't all it's cracked up to be. As Alice stumbles her way through the minefield of early adolescence, there are plenty of bumps, giggles, and surprises along the way. Every girl should grow up with Alice, and with this irresistible new look, a whole new generation will want to.