Me & Miranda Mullaly by Jack Gerhardt

How I Heard About It:  I can't remember where or when, but I actually got this book when it was an ARC.  It has been sitting in a pile of books for quite some time.  My goal has been to work on reading the books in the "pile" instead of buying new titles.  This is my most recent middle-grade novel read.  

What It Is About:  At the center of this story is Miranda Mullaly.  The perfect "girl" in everyone's eyes.  Well, at least for three male students in her class.  First, there is Chollie who is the class athlete.  Second, there is Sam the class clown.  Finally, there is Duke the smart kid.  When Miranda "saves" one of these boys during class, all three decide they must be the boyfriend of Miranda.  They each plan and plot how to become the one true love of hers.  She is involved in man activities and the boys decide they will join these in order to get close to her.  They join student council, the school play, and a variety of other clubs.  The competition for her attention hits a high note when they all volunteer to help her family during a winter storm.  As the school dance approaches, he boys ups his "game" to be sure they are on the arm of the one and only Miranda Mullaly.  

What I Thought Of It:  The only negative aspect of this book is that I let it sit in my pile of books for such a long time.  So long in fact, that the cover even changed with the most recent copy.  The story was enjoyable to read and quite a few "laugh-out-loud" moments.  I found all three male characters to be real, alive, and true to life.  It was fun to read about how they tried to gain the attention of this "popular" girl.  I also enjoyed how the story was told from all FOUR perspectives which made for a solid well-told story.  

Who Should Read It:  The setting of the story is in middle-school so in my opinion it is the perfect novel for readers in grades six, seven, and eight.  Of course it could also be read by kids in grades four and/or five.  There is nothing "objectionable" in the book.  The chapters are relatively short and the viewpoints change from chapter to chapter which will keep the interest of the reader.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars