title: Emma Emmets, Playground Matchmaker
author:  Julia DeVillers 
description: Opening with Emma Emmets first day of fourth grade, DeVillers latest middle-grade novel delves into elementary-school attention getting (and romance). Emma found herself embarrassed in earlier grades and wants to make a new, improved impression. Before the first class has even begun, she has found a way to gain popularity (matching up kids with each other) and given herself a new nickname (EmMatchmaker). Some storytellers might teach their heroine humility about getting involved in other peoples relationships, but DeVillers seems charmed by Emmas chutzpahthough, through the first-person narration, readers can track the doubts and second-guessing behind her boldness. DeVillers also makes gentle fun of Emmas obsession with pop-star Jake LaDrake, who shows up late in the novel and reveals himself to be unworthy of her devotion. By the end, Emma has made it clear to herself and others that her playground matchmaking was about promoting whatever made people happier. Slowmances! Friendships! Whatever! A worthy goal. Grades 3-6. --Abby Nolan
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  Emma McChesney & Co.
  
  
    
    
  I. BROADWAY TO BUENOS AIRES  
    
  II. THANKS TO MISS MORRISSEY  
    
  [III. A CLOSER CORPORATION  
    
  ](Emma%20McChesney%20and%20Co__split_001.html#filepos92347)[IV. BLUE SERGE  
    
  ](Emma%20McChesney%20and%20Co__split_001.html#filepos132229)[V. "HOOPS, MY
  DEAR!"  
    
  ](Emma%20McChesney%20and%20Co__split_001.html#filepos172038)[VI. SISTERS UNDER
  THEIR SKIN  
    
  ](Emma%20McChesney%20and%20Co__split_001.html#filepos215788)[VII. AN ETUDE FOR
  EMMA
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com
  
  
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  # Emma McChesney & Co.
  
  
  ### Edna Ferber
  
  
  
  
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com  
    
  
  * I. BROADWAY TO BUENOS AIRES
  
  
  * II. THANKS TO MISS MORRISSEY
  
  
  * [III. A CLOSER CORPORATION](Emma%20McChesney%20and%20Co__split_001.html#filepos92347)
  
  
  * [IV. BLUE SERGE](Emma%20McChesney%20and%20Co__split_001.html#filepos132229)
  
  
  * [V. "HOOPS, MY DEAR!"](Emma%20