The fourth installment in Courtney Sheinmel’s Stella Batts series, A Case of the Meanies, continues the heated story between third graders Stella and Joshua. Their rivalry steps it up a notch when Joshua decides to have his birthday party at Stella’s parent’s candy store. And of course, Stella is not invited. Now she has to pretend to be a nice hostess.

Readers will instantly fall in love with the story. Although there are many times it went wrong for Stella, readers will rejoice during her moments of triumph. Older readers will love how author Courtney is able to transport their minds back to a time when things were much simpler. Her writing style is appreciative to how it reminds us how it was like to be a kid and just how big the world is.

Stella’s predicaments can be a metaphor to a lot of adolescent problems. Her reactions to them felt like the inner workings of an eight-year-old. Courtney has delivered a very cute and fun story that was the perfect setting for laughs and giggles. Although it is intended for middle graders, there are a lot of elements that are enjoyable for all ages. Courtney’s storytelling technique is amazing and puts a smile on your face. Stella Batts: A Case of the Meanies is another great addition to the series and I’m sure subsequent installments can only be better.