Description

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Maryellen Larkin wants to stand out but, with five brothers and sisters, it's not so easy. Giving herself a haircut doesn't go quite the way she expects - and when she draws a cartoon of her teacher on the first day of fourth grade, she draws more attention than she wants! At least her drawing skills help her make an interesting new friend. Together, they might be able to win the Geography Bee - but only if Maryellen can find a way to help her old friends get past their prejudice.

About the Author

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Valerie Tripp says that she became a writer because of the kind of person she is. She says she's curious, and writing requires you to be interested in everything. Talking is her favorite sport, and writing is like talking on paper. She's a daydreamer, which helps her come up with her ideas. And she loves words. She even loves the struggle to come up with just the right words as she writes and rewrites. Ms. Tripp lives in Maryland with her husband.