Psst! Ellen Tebbits Has A Secret...

Ellen Tebbits has a secret, but no one to share it with. So, when she finds someone else who has to wear horrible woolen winter underpants, finally she's not alone anymore. Even though Austine is the new girl, they become fast friends and spend as much time together as possible. The only other thing that would make everything perfect is if her teacher would choose her to clap the erasers. For some reason, she never gets picked for this chore, and she desperately wants to feel that chalk dust fly! It seems so magical. But, Ellen is just thankful that she had found such a wonderful new best friend, and she can't believe how much fun she's having. When the two girls ask their moms to make them identical dresses for the first day of fourth grade, they set the spark in motion and rush to pick out matching fabric. All summer long, the talk is about the dresses and how fabulous it will be to look like twins. Ellen can't wait. But, at the last minute, there's a problem. Austine's dress doesn't come out as nice as Ellen's, and when a simple tug unties a pretty sash, everything begins to come undone. Their bright, new friendship starts to fade, and Ellen doesn't know what to do. Will Austine and Ellen wear their new dresses? Will they be able to stay friends? What will happen when school starts? Will Ellen ever get to clap the erasers? You will have to read this classic to find out!


Ellen Tebbits by Beverly Cleary is one of my favorite middle grade novels. I love Ellen, and can easily relate to her. The relationship between the two girls is genuine and the way their friendship blossoms is fun to follow along with. The characters are realistic and the writing is fantastic. The simple illustrations really add to the style and rhythm of the book. It's about new beginnings, friendship, and self discovery. A great story to pass along to someone who loves to read a fun book with excellent characters and lovely scenery ; ) Happy reading! ~ F

Has anyone else read Ellen Tebbits or anything other books by Beverly Cleary?
FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED