This Means War!

Darleen R. Golke is a high-school teacher-librarian in Winnipeg,
Manitoba.

After five months in their new home, Mom and the three Hadley children
finally feel comfortable without Dad. But they face another potential
upheaval when Mr. Dutton, the landlord, decides to turn the apartments
into condominiums and delivers one-month eviction notices to his
tenants. Twelve-year old Laney, an aspiring journalist, organizes a
protest that succeeds in drawing the attention of the local media and
complicating Dutton’s plans.

Each of the Hadley children has a reason for resisting another move:
Laney has just been invited to edit the school newspaper; 9-year-old
Roger is determined to investigate the mystery surrounding the reclusive
Mr. Wooley; and 5-year-old Emma doesn’t want her imaginary friend,
Winson, to be disturbed by another relocation. The three children join
forces with Miss Applebaum and Mr. Wooley to thwart Dutton’s plans.
With the assistance of a reporter from the local newspaper, Laney
uncovers some surprising information about the ownership of the
building.

This fast-paced story features realistic dialogue and humor in the form
of lively sibling squabbles. Although the brisk pace and compressed time
frame leave little room for character development or in-depth conflict
resolution, young readers should appreciate meeting the Hadley family
and sharing their experiences. Recommended.