The Stuttgart Nanny Mafia - Hardcover

Grade 4-6-- Aurora, 11, is too old to have a live-in babysitter and too young to accept all the changes that have taken place since her mother's remarriage. When Tanja, a 19-year-old au pair, arrives from Germany to look after her and her toddler brother, Aurora's already crumbling world seems to fall apart. She decides that Tanja must go and sets out with plan after plan to create such havoc that she succeeds in getting rid of the personable young woman--and then has second thoughts. Aurora's childish pranks and misinterpretations of events create an uncomfortable trek through several chapters, but the solid writing and strong finish raise it above a mediocre, cautionary tale. Aurora is a spirited, albeit not always likable, preadolescent caught between the security and allure of an indulged childhood and the challenges and pressures of an ever-changing adult world. --Judie Porter, Media Services Center, Portsmouth School Department, RI
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

For 11-year-old Aurora life has taken a downward turn ever since her divorced mother married Benjamin, a dentist. Not only has junk food been banished from the household, but Aurora's close relationship with her parent has changed significantly. Now it's Benjamin who helps to make decisions, such as hiring Tanja, a German au pair , so that Aurora's mother can work in Benjamin's office. Aurora plots various methods of getting rid of Tanja, but her schemes have unexpected repercussions. Some of Aurora's antics are farfetched, yet she remains an engaging character--spunky, bright and identifiably human. Written with wit and style, Fletcher's ( Dragon's Milk ) first-person narrative puts a refreshing new twist on a popular theme. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.