Synopsis
Instead of going to Australia this summer, Annabel is off to visit her dad in LA - much to her annoyance. No Australia means no Ben, the fit soccer player who was her first real kiss. And it's not even like Annabel is getting to travel solo - her mother and new baby sister are tagging along too.
In spite of the usualy family squabbles and rivalries, however, Annabel ends up having a great time. She gets on like a house on fire with Lucy, her stepsister, and Ben tops it all by making a surprise visit to LA.
A warm and funny look at family life and its constantly evolving nature.
Jeanna Sciarrotta - Children's Literature
Lucy, Annabel, Wheaties, and Ben (aka The Steps) are all the products of a number of marriages and divorces. In this sequel to The Steps, the foursome meets up again, but this time in L.A., where they are all conveniently spending summer vacation. This book is written from alternating points of view that younger readers may find confusing if they do not pay close enough attention to the chapter headings. For those who can follow, however, this leads to a unique understanding of the inner feelings of each of the four main characters. Unfortunately, there is no real plotline to this story. Of course Annabel is in love with Ben. They were never "really related anyway" and Wheaties likes Lucy, who does not reciprocate any of his feelings. Annabel and Lucy get in multiple fights with each other, they make up, and the predictability continues. This novel by Cohn falls short of some of her previous musings such as Gingerbread and Shorty. This story will likely be most enjoyed by older elementary school girls who may be the byproduct of blended families and have an intrigue for boys and first kisses. 2006, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, Ages 10 to 14.