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Title: Falling Leaves... Falling Underwear
Review: My third grade class read this book together about a million years ago. Oddly enough, two of us were named Ellen in the class, and we certainly got teased! It's a terrific book about an unusual, yet average, little girl. I love how Ms. Cleary creates a heroine who is at once awkward, shy, and opinionated, and has a wonderful temper. Her tendency to stretch the truth brings unexpectedly hilarious results.I still have my tattered 1973 (?) copy (yikes!) and am considering purchasing a copy for my young nieces. It teaches some lovely lessons about friendship and about individuality in the face of peer pressure (hopefully I'm not reading too much into the book, but I don't think so). Most important, however, it is truly funny. I still have a vivid picture in my mind of the skinny Ellen leaping like a falling leaf in ballet while clutching at her slipping underwear. Leap and clutch....leap and clutch... And who could forget the monkey dress and her first horseback ride!
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