Wish I coulda started with the first Maggie M. story, but this is the only one still avl. in my library system.  I'm guessing these were read to pieces when they were new, but not replaced as they went out of fashion.  Even though the characters are in 6th grade, the book design and story, language, and pix are more akin to books written for 3rd or 4th graders.  In any case, I'm charmed.  The kids are authentic, with honest feelings and behaviors.  Maggie is the only girl in the campaigns, but nothing is really made of it - it's simply a reflection of the times that boys were more likely to want power than girls.  (I know, I was there.  The book's characters are only a year younger than I was at the time.)  There's something about Sharmat's language that is special, too.  If you're a fan of her early readers about the detective Nate, I highly recommend you try to find any of this series in your library.  I will continue to look for whatever Sharmat I can find at thrift stores and little old rural libraries. ( )

Overall a good read, that said it took a looooooong time before the two main characters met, after which it felt like the rest of the book was over very quickly. I could have wished a bit more meat on the latter part of the book, and a little less on the first part.Not a book to take too serious, but got me well entertained for as long as it lasted. ( )