Anna, the One and Only — Barbara M. Joosse

Anna, who was born on a Wednesday, is convinced she is a (according to the old saying) child of woe. So when she starts third grade in a new town, she decides to be a Sunday child``bonnie and blithe and good and gay''like her sister Kimberly. She tells her teacher to call her Chocolate, but forgets to respond to the name; she borrows Kimberly's best shirt and spills brown paint on it; she opens her pencil box and drops her dead fly collection. When Anna's father discreetly clears up the misunderstanding about her name, Anna is happier, but she still wants to be perfect like Kimberly. Later, when Kimberly has to take over Anna's role in the class play (which involves flying across the stage), Anna realizes what a tremendous sacrifice her sister is making in order to help her out, since Kimberly is afraid of heights. Joosse ( Jam Day ) has taken the common theme of sibling rivalry and added some heartwarming touches that will cheer readers in similar straits. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. (Nov.)