Bugs in My Hair?! — Catherine Stier

Best Children's Books of the Year 2009, Bank Street College

When Alex spills milk on his football jersey and Morgan's braid unravels, they both say, "These things happen." But Ellie LaFleur, who is practically perfect, sniffs, "Not to me." And it's true. Ellie's nails are always filed, her clothes are snazzy, and her long locks are lovely. So when Ellie's head begins to itch, she's sure it's an allergy.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE BUGS IN MY HAIR?!” blurts Ellie when her mother and the school nurse give her the bad news: Ellie has head lice. “These things happen,” says Ellie's mother. At home, Ellie and her mother talk to the doctor and read the papers from the school nurse. Then they shampoo, comb, and do laundry. Ellie even writes a note for kids who get head lice -- “These things happen,” it says.