Samona Gemini is the wildest girl in the fifth grade, and Seth Michelin is a quiet boy from a proper Haitian-American family. Who would have ever figured that they’d be best friends? Seth and Samona are the only kids brave enough to find out if their strange neighbor really is a witch. And when Seth’s older brother is in danger, Seth and Samona race to the rescue. Seth is Samona’s accomplice in every one of her crazy schemes. Then Samona decides to enter the local beauty and Seth has to find a way to stop her -- she’ll never win. But Samona has a big surprise in store for Seth. Readers will delight in Seth and Samona and their wonderful families.

The Marguerite de Angeli Prize for New Children’s Literature

"The dialogue and characterizations combine flawlessly to give Seth a loud, clear voice; through him, readers come to know Samona, who is a very special person indeed."

--School Library Journal

"The story dramatizes that ‘normal’ is neither static nor uniform...it’s the variety of religions, family values, languages, ethnic customs, and individual personalities that vitalizes the neighborhood. Readers will enjoy the irreverent fun."

--Booklist

Moving? When Ola Benson’s family leaves Roxbury, its Boston neighborhood, or the suburbs, Ola is sure her parents have made a big mistake. What on earth are they going to do in Walcott -- a historic, stuck-up town where the Bensons are the only black family?
True, there are a few good things about the move: Mama and Daddy have better jobs. They have a bigger house, big enough to offer a home to Lillian, a Haitian refugee. But the house is in a "cooperative community" with a million rules: No kids outside after dark. No playing in the street. No jumping in the leaves. No fun.

Well, if Ola’s stuck in Walcott, she’ll make it a place where she can feel at home. Ola’s the undaunted comes up with plan after plan, including Operation Pretend I Belong Here and Operation Smile If It Kills You. Finally she hits on the superspecial can’t miss plan: Operation Shake It Up.

Joanne Hyppolite celebrates community, cooperation, and family life in a warm and realistic story with an irrepressible heroine.

The ALA Notable Children’s Book

"A warmhearted look at a potentially explosive emotional situation, handled with grace and humor."

--Kirkus Reviews

"Ola's colorful character is sure to draw both sympathy and laughter. . . . A story that speaks."

--School Library Journal