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CM . . . . Volume XXIII Number 6 . . . . October 14, 2016
excerpt:
Hannah Smart literally 'embarks' on her third adventure as she climbs aboard ship! She has been invited to participate in a treasure-hunting reality show for teens. With her fear of water (she doesn't even like bath-tubs!) and propensity for sea-sickness, Hannah would rather decline, certain the venture will end in disaster. When she learns that her latest crush A.J. will be on-board, she hastily accepts. Unfortunately, his old crush, the 'perfect' Piper Steele, daughter of the ship's demanding captain, will also be part of the adventure. With her usual vigorous determination, Hannah resolves to overcome her sea-faring limitations, resulting in hilarious or near disastrous results. And though she has some control over her own abilities, she has no control over Piper's machinations aimed at sabotaging her reputation. This volume follows the rather predictable formula of the previous two books in the series, Operation Josh Taylor and On a Slippery Slope, that recount Hannah's escapades. Once again, readers are confronted with Hanna's complexes, her good intentions, her complicated attempts to conform and save face that often result in calamity, and an antagonistic female out to get her! Nevertheless, In Over Her Head is a funny, lighthearted page-turner in a series that continues to appeal to those aged 9-12. Despite its frenetic quality as Hannah moves from one desperate situation to another, the book is well-written and captures the dialogue and self-absorption that some teens exhibit. Despite her rather privileged life, Hannah also makes noble attempts to rise above her weaknesses. The plot is a fast-paced frolic that keeps readers involved and entertained. Piper's malice is rather extreme, and the resolution, as usual, over-simplified – but despite in some ways being lightweight, the book also provides some life-lessons about being your own person, doing your best, and taking the high road. Hannah has her own type of courage and lots of initiative and resilience. Although the series was intended as a trilogy, could it be that the end of In Over Her Head sets the stage for a further Hannah Smart escapade, one somewhere in Paris?! If so, it is sure to be greeted enthusiastically by Hannah fans. Recommended. Aileen Wortley is a retired librarian who lives in Toronto, ON. Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
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