EL (K-3), EL -- OPTIONAL
Aleca's tenth birthday is not going well. And then she discovers she has the ability to stop time. Surprise! Since she feels like she deserves after her bad day, she uses her abilities to cheat on a math test and take petty revenge on people who have annoyed her. (e.g. she pantses her school principal, glues two mean girls' hair together, and sticks a bug in a boy's mouth.) The chaos draws her mysterious great-aunt, who explains Aleca's new powers to her.
This is an enjoyable, quick read, and for the most part Aleca is a great character. Unfortunately, while she did regret cheating on her math test, there were no consequences -- emotional or otherwise -- for taking advantage of her ability in order to do mean things to others. Being able to stop time and harm others while they are frozen and vulnerable is quite a power, and it would be nice to know that Aleca would ultimately use that power for good. Also, the ending came rather abruptly; I actually got to the last page, saw the acknowledgements on the next page, and said out loud, "That's it?!?" (Yes, book frustrations can occasionally make me talk to myself. Or to the books, really.)
Since I did enjoy the writing, however, I'm hopeful that the author's next book will give me a satisfying ending and a character to root for.
Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
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