Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks by K.D. McCrite

I just finished reading the second book in the April Grace series by K.D. McCrite.  This book was titled "Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks".  This book series is geared toward a middle school reader (tween/teen), but given that it is set in 1986, it reminded me of how I grew up.  I am 30 years old (so I would have been 5 and starting kindergarten in 1986), but I grew up in a small country town in Alabama that reminds me of April Grace's hometown in rural Arkansas.

This book shows how April Grace is dealing with many problems: a crowded house that includes her mother, father, older sister, and new neighbors (Ian and Isabel), who are living with them while they work on their house; starting junior high and finding a new enemy, Lottie, who used to be April Grace's friend and has now started a clique called the "Lotties"; her mom's strange behavior; her snotty older sister, Myra Sue; and having a lead part in the church Christmas play, directed by Isabel.  This book has a lot of great moments, just like the first book and it was really a great, quick read.  It shows the tween/teen reader how to deal with all of these problems in a Christian way, but also shows that everyone makes mistakes and not to worry and dwell on them.  Even though this book is a "Christian" book, it is not overbearing and really does have a great story that should appeal to any mainstream tween/teen audience.  Please don't let the Christian reference throw you off of reading this book.

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