Fashion Fandango

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

Norah, the young protagonist in Lobster Press’s new Generation Norah
series, is experiencing Grade 6 at Margaret Laurence Elementary with
enthusiasm and verve. She is thrilled to be chosen as a peer mediator
and wholeheartedly attempts to resolve the difficulties that challenge
her fellow students.

In the series first volume, Fashion Fandango, a newly selected group of
peer mediators attend a training camp to learn mediation skills. When
one of the girls accuses Norah’s best friend of stealing, it becomes
necessary for the kids to put into practice all they have learned. There
is a happy resolution and a stronger bond between the classmates is
formed as they gain some understanding of each other’s problems and
perspectives.

In Maxwell’s Metamorphosis, Norah’s role as peer mediator is in
conflict with her desire to be a true friend. The situation is
aggravated further when the new boy in class threatens to betray her.
Just when it seems that everything will go wrong, Norah is inspired with
an elegant solution that benefits everyone involved.

These terrific little chapter books feature a very positive role model
in the form of a lighthearted and sensitive heroine, and adults who
always know exactly the right thing to say. The characters set a high
moral example but the spirit of fun is primary. The themes are nicely
focused and age appropriate and the plot development is interesting and
offers some surprises. Lenka Vernex’s illustrations are extremely
attractive and contribute to the overall appeal of the books, which are
both highly recommended.