Maddie Tries to Be Good

Deborah Dowson is a Canaadian children’s librarian in North Wales,
Pennsylvania.

The kids are not the only ones arguing in Maddie’s house. Maddie’s
parents are upset, and her mother has gone away to a friend’s house.
Maddie is sure that it was her behavior that caused her mother’s
departure, so she vows to be good so that her mother will return. At
school she is vying for the lead role in the play, so she is on her best
behavior there, too. While becoming a “model child,” Maddie learns
some interesting things—including that it isn’t easy. Her brothers
and her friends don’t trust the “new” Maddie and suspect that she
has selfish, ulterior motives. Maddie sticks to her plan, however, and
with a little help from Gran and Justin she achieves some success in her
efforts to be good.

Fans of the funny and feisty Maddie will not be disappointed with this
eighth book in the series. The volume features easy-to-read large print,
delightful illustrations, expressive vocabulary, and a clever plot.
Maddie’s uninhibited dialogue and ironic wit are irresistible. The
style and content are perfect for beginning chapter book readers and
should be represented in all children’s collections. Highly
recommended.