By Ann M. Martin
Macmillan, $16.99, 240 pages
ISBN 9780312367664

Anyone who has suffered sharing a room with a sibling will relate to Ann M. Martin’s latest book geared for the tween set. Ten Rules for Living with My Sister introduces Pearl, a rambunctious, creative, intelligent fourth grader who drives older sister Lexie crazy.

From Pearl’s perspective, which usually means standing in her underwear in the hallway outside Lexie’s bedroom door, her older sister gets all the goods, finds all the friends, and prospers from popularity. Heck, Pearl believes the only thing she has going for herself is, well, her creative imagination. She finds it difficult to understand why Lexie doesn’t appreciate her attempts at fun.

When Daddy Bo, their grandfather, moves into the family’s apartment, Pearl and Lexie must learn to cooperate and share a bedroom. It’s not an easy task for either girl, which propels Pearl to create a list of rules for living with Lexie.

Can this kooky sister learn how to play by the rules?

At first glance, the story discusses themes of sisterhood, friendship  and all those terms imply. But dig deeper and readers will uncover an even bigger story: how to deal with older family members who can no longer take care of themselves.

Martin’s story will leave you laughing and crying, while presenting a realistic portrait of what it means to be family.

“It isn’t your -,” Lexie started to say, but thought better of it. Instead she grumped over to her door and ripped the sign off. “Happy now?” She glared at me. “And don’t ask me to take down the other sign. This room is still at least half mine and I have some rules for living in it. One of them is being fully clothed. Period. End of discussion.”

Reviewed by LuAnn Schindler