Fiction: I In this fifth book in the series, Angel learns that her mother is pregnant. The atmosphere of a lively, caring family is the background for this episodic, gently humorous story. Review, p. 770. Horn Rating: Superior, well above average. Reviewed by: ckj (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 2-5-- For a person who hates change, Angel certainly has had more than her share. In Angel's Mother's Wedding (Houghton, 1987), she acquired a new stepfather, and in this fifth book about her, she learns that her mother is pregnant. Her younger brother, Rags, is excited about the expected baby, but Angel thinks her family is perfect just as it is and wants no part of a squalling, messy baby. When Edna, Angel's know-it-all friend, expresses envy because her mother cannot have any more children, Angel rethinks the situation, and begins to look forward to the addition to the family. Continuing in the same episodic style of the previous books, this one includes several humorous scenes. The baby does not appear until the end of the book, setting the scene for another book in this entertaining series. Angel has the potential for becoming a favorite with young readers looking for their first good chapter books. She is a feisty, believable character who is involved in one amusing adventure after another. --Phyllis K. Kennemer, Green Mountain Elementary School, Lakewood, CO (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr. 4-6. The fifth in the series about Angel and her family finds the fifth-grader again bumping up against life. In the last book, Angel's Mother's Wedding [BKL O 1 87], Rudy Pappadopolis joined the family as husband and father. Angel is content with the situation; however, she certainly doesn't want a new baby in the family. But a sister is what she gets, and by the book's conclusion, she has come to terms with that, too. Along the way are the usual and amusing Delton hallmarks: the younger brother, Rags, gets a case of head lice, the family attends a child-care class, and the baby arrives on the same day Angel breaks her arm. Despite the humor, the story is not as fresh as the previous titles in the series and doesn't ring as true. This qualitative difference won't deter Angel's many fans, who will anticipate a sequel in the works--evidenced by Angel overhearing her parents discussing a new job and an upcoming move. --Ilene Cooper