Alice-Miranda Takes the Lead

Jacqueline Harvey (author)

Random House, Australia: 2011; 290pp

ISBN: 9781864718492

Genre: adventure

Issues: family, friendship,greed, tolerance

Alice-Miranda Heighton-Smith-Kennington-Jones, the little girl with chocolate curls, big brown eyes and a super-sized positive personality is back. The holidays are over and the girls from Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale School for Young Ladies are joining dramatic forces with the boys from Fayle to put on ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves'. While Miss Grimm (now married to Mr Grump) has certainly undergone a remarkable change for the better, the new girl, Sloane Sykes could be another problem in the making, as could her over-the-top mother, September. When the boys at Fayle begin to fail it seems that a malicious and greedy plot is underway. Can Alice-Miranda and her friends save the day? And what does the witch in the woods have to do with it all?

In a cleverly crafted narrative, Alice-Miranda Takes the Lead is a tale within a tale, as the ‘witch in the woods' turns out to be just as persecuted and isolated as Snow White herself. A modern heroine in the style of Pollyanna, Pippi Longstocking and Milly-Molly-Mandy, Alice-Miranda's remarkably loving heart and open-minded nature are a wonderful example to her friends - and her readers. In this third book in the series, Harvey has written a thoroughly entertaining story that works well as a stand-alone novel although those familiar with the earlier books will enjoy catching up with familiar characters. Those who love language will have a chuckle at the use of clever names - although be warned that some aptonyms are unlikely to stay that way under Alice-Miranda's influence! The relaxed narrative style, lively dialogue and natural energy of all the stories make this a series that should be enjoyed by young readers for years to come.

Great fun.

Same series: Alice-Miranda At School ; Alice-Miranda On Holiday