The English Roses, Nicole, Amy, Charlotte, Grace, and Binda are in fifth grade (their "meeting" story is told in the first book on the English Roses). Their teacher, Miss Fluffernutter (she is "beautiful on the inside"), welcomes them , and a new student, Dominic de la Guardia... and the girls think he is TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE (TGTBT). They are miffed when Dominic seems to pay more attention to Binda than the rest of them. Of course, they learn friendship shouldn't be so shallow. Miss Fluffernutter suggests "The next time you start to feel jealous of someone, try to feel happy for them instead" (p. 52).
I am always irked by children's stories that have girls focus their goals on winning over a boy. You know this is a common theme in stories for teenagers. Does it have to happen for younger kids as well? Fifth grade?
BUT, I have to admit, surrounded by the lovely illustrations of Stacy Peterson, the story is smooth and entertaining. It is a beautiful book, and I don't want to make the story sound terrible. Madonna put together a nice tale of friendship that is tested and found to be true... as in TGTBT!