Yours Turly, Shirley — Ann M. Martin

Surviving fourth grade isn't going to be easy for Shirley -- but the thought of repeating it with her younger sister is too much to bear

Shirley Basini is dreading fourth grade -- if she doesn't do well this year, she'll be held back. Having dyslexia is tough, but having a brilliant older brother makes it even worse. When Shirley's parents adopt a young girl from Vietnam, she's excited to have someone whom, for once, she can teach some things.

But her new sister is actually quite adept at English and winds up in the advanced third-grade class. Shirley can't face the prospect of repeating fourth grade -- this time with her adopted sister, who might even perform better than she does. Shirley has only one talent that might prove she's not dumb -- but does she have the will to let it shine?