The Good, the Bad, and the Bossy, written by Caroline Cala, reviewed by Anneliese White

Summary: Malia, Dot, and Bree are back again in the second installment of the “Best Babysitters Ever” series, with new challenges. Dot is worried about the upcoming science fair, and her new arch nemesis Pigeon, is a steep competitor in the upcoming school event. Pigeon, a new student from New York, seems to be good at everything, and is not shy about rubbing it in Dot’s face. Bree is excited to get a new (hairless) Sphynx cat whom she names Veronica, but Veronica, who is actually a he, goes ballistic in the house and Bree cannot seem to control him, or his messes. Malia is trying to balance her schedule with a new internship for a demanding and crazy boss, and her mom won’t let her quit, even though she’s not getting paid for the job. All three of the girls are trying to face these new challenges, meanwhile keeping their babysitting business going, and trying to raise enough money to buy tickets to an upcoming music concert that the whole school seems to be going to. When they decide to hire temps to keep up with their babysitting jobs and new demanding life events, will they be able to maintain their own business, and still make money? Readers will be eager to find out!

Straight Talk for Librarians: Albeit predictable, this is simply a great series to have in the collection for young female readers. The first book in the series has high interest, and the second installment is sure to follow. Cala does a great job with the three main characters’ narration, so that the chapters and story as a whole flows, despite jumping around to different story plot points. This is  a great pick for discussions on responsibility, peer pressure, innovation, and managing stress. It is an easy to follow book, and luckily, there is a third book (“Miss Impossible”) that will round out the collection. Unfortunately this series most likely won’t appeal to young male readers, but it is one that is recommended to have added to library shelves for its leading popularity with young female readers.