Judy Moody Saves the World (by Megan McDonald)

Inspired by her third-grade teacher, Judy Moody is going to save the world -- so the world had better watch out. She enters a design-your-own band-aid contest (which her little brother, Stink, wins, much to her mortification), tries to relieve her family of anything that might be related to the rainforest, releases her brother's pet toad into the wild, and hides all of her classmates' pencils (made from rainforest wood).

She even tries to live in a tree as a protest. But, with her teacher's help, she finally comes up with an idea that might actually help -- to collect enough recyclables to raise enough money to plant 100 trees in the rainforest.

Judy may be moody, impulsive, and wired, but she never runs out of ideas -- or enthusiasm. Megan McDonald's delightful creation, produced in attractive volumes with brown-paper covers, large print, and hilarious, cartoonish illustrations by Peter Reynolds, captivates middle graders who are making the transition to chapter books.

This third entry in the series has all of the zip and wit fans expect from the series, but also presents important issues about the environment in an age-appropriate way. A funny, easy-to-read book that might get children thinking -- what could be better?

Author: Megan McDonald
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: April 25, 2004
Number of pages: 144
Hardcover price: $15.99
Paperback price: $5.99