When eight-and-a-half-year-old Mallory McDonald's parents tell her that they are moving, she's mad-really mad! It's not fair! How can they make her move away from Mary Ann, her best friend in the whole wide world? Who will she paint her toenails with, tell secrets to, and make scrapbooks with? When Mallory arrives at her new house on Wish Pond Road, things are terrible. Her room is too small and the girl next door is mean. But Joey lives next door, too. Even though he doesn't paint his toes, he tells jokes, helps teach her cat to do tricks, and shows her how to skateboard. Mallory's having so much fun she forgets the pact she made with Mary Ann never to make friends with a boy next door. But, when Mary Ann comes to visit, what will Mallory do? Will she have to choose between her best friend and her new friend?
"Mallory is an appealing character who deserves a place alongside Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, Amber Brown, and Clarice Bean. This amusing offering makes a good choice for youngsters who are adjusting to new environs."
School Library Journal
"Spinning a spry variation on a familiar theme, Friedman launches a series starring a spunky eight-year-old who is not happy about her family's impending move. Readers will find her [Mallory] and Joey likable characters, worth revisiting."
Publishers Weekly
"Mallory is a lively, appealing character with a penchant for jokes (which are scattered throughout) and creative endeavors that have some comical, mixed results. Readers will relate to her thoughts and experiences, from familiar girl-friend activities and sibling issues to the rewards of friendships, old and new, near and far."
