The Bathwater Gang (Springboard Books)

Rating:
Summary: Bathwater Gang--A great book for younger readers
Review: Bertie is already bored on the second day of summer vacation. Her not-so-typical grandma suggests she create a gang to do things with. Her best friend, Damaris Pickwell can't join because gangs always lead to trouble.

She advertises a pizza party for her gang. She also advertises "Girls Only". The pizza party is a success, but only two others show up to the first meeting. They start having fun and the fun turns into a feud with a boy gang. Grandma comes to the rescue again with some great ideas.

This is a fun, easy to read book for younger readers. They are introduced to Jerry Spinelli and Maniac Magee's world of Two Mills. I think they will be excited to continue reading his novels as they grow up.

It also can be used to teach children about including others, the problems with gangs, and the value of service without getting too heavy. It's another great book by Jerry Spinelli.