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Fabulous Five #14
Seventh-Grade Menace
When Jana Morgan enters a popularity contest and finds her petitions sabotaged with chocolate milk and her locker sprayed with ketchup, she suspects the class bully is the culprit.
117 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1989
2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Betsy Haynes
122 books109 followersABOUT ME
Maybe it's because my feisty grandma chased tarantulas around with a broom when we lived on an oil lease property when I was a baby that made me love danger and adventure. And maybe it was my father's spending nights as a trombonist with the bands of his day and his days spent drawing sketches that sparked my artistic side. Do you suppose that because my mother stood only four feet ten inches tall that I feel like a giant at five feet? And I'm sure my FBI (Full Blooded Italian) step-father, his seven brothers and sisters and their families are responsible for my LOVE of Italian food. That's who I am. Who are you?
My First Book, Peppy The Frog That I Wrote In The 2nd Grade
I'll always be a child at heart. Whenever I close my eyes, wonderful, funny, awful, embarrassing memories of middle school/junior high come flooding back to fill the pages of my contemporary novels. My childhood friendships and rivalries with old enemies all find their way into my books. I've even spied on my own kids for story ideas.
Unlike most kids who can't wait to grow up, I've gotten younger--at least my stories have. I've stepped into the world of 7 to 10 year olds.
I and my husband, Jim, live in Texas on Lake Lewisville north of Dallas. We are owned by our greyhound, Miller. Our favorite things to do are traveling the world and boating.
Maybe it's because my feisty grandma chased tarantulas around with a broom when we lived on an oil lease property when I was a baby that made me love danger and adventure. And maybe it was my father's spending nights as a trombonist with the bands of his day and his days spent drawing sketches that sparked my artistic side. Do you suppose that because my mother stood only four feet ten inches tall that I feel like a giant at five feet? And I'm sure my FBI (Full Blooded Italian) step-father, his seven brothers and sisters and their families are responsible for my LOVE of Italian food. That's who I am. Who are you?
My First Book, Peppy The Frog That I Wrote In The 2nd Grade
I'll always be a child at heart. Whenever I close my eyes, wonderful, funny, awful, embarrassing memories of middle school/junior high come flooding back to fill the pages of my contemporary novels. My childhood friendships and rivalries with old enemies all find their way into my books. I've even spied on my own kids for story ideas.
Unlike most kids who can't wait to grow up, I've gotten younger--at least my stories have. I've stepped into the world of 7 to 10 year olds.
I and my husband, Jim, live in Texas on Lake Lewisville north of Dallas. We are owned by our greyhound, Miller. Our favorite things to do are traveling the world and boating.
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June 22, 2024Seventh Grade Menace
Jana is wrapped up in her thoughts about her weekend with Randy when Deena McNatt bumps into her. Later, Funny tells Jana she should run for Mrs. Seventh Grade for the Wigwam. She says she spreading the rumor that she and Randy will be running. This gets Jana to thinking. She also considers who else could have a chance at Mr. Seventh Grade. She thinks Shane Arrington will make a great candidate. In class, she sees Deena steal one of Whitney’s folders. After class, she threatened Jana that she’d better not tell anyone.
At Bumpers, the Fabulous Five talk about what to do about Deena. They can’t tell Curtis or he might get mad. Then her brothers Joe and Max might come after him. They can’t put her before Teen Court. They don’t have any evidence Deena stole Whitney’s homework and it would be Jana’s word against Deena’s. So they change the subject and it turns to Jana running for Mrs. Seventh Grade. Even though they’re all for it, Jana says she’ll have to ask Randy how he feels about it. Not long after this, they see an altercation between Deena and Clarence. Max was trying to get to the jukebox and pushed Deena and she hit him. Max jumps up but Shane distracts him by telling him Jana needs him for a “re-enactment” for a feature in the paper of the animal donations and Shane wants his autograph before he gets swamped. Afterward, Jana sees Shana looking sad. He confesses to her Igor might die.
Shane says Igor hasn’t eaten in three days. The vet didn’t know what to tell them so they took him to the zoo. They suggested putting some medicine in mashed-up worms, but it didn’t work. Jana asks if Igor can have visitors and Shane says yes. So, she goes over to see him. Igor lays very still. Janna asks if he’s gotten loose or eaten anything other than his normal food, but Shane says no. After meeting his parents, she leaves and tells him she hopes Igor gets better. That night, she talks to Randy who says it’s ok with him if she wants them to run for Mr. and Mrs. Seventh Grade. He’d only do it if she were.
Jana tells her friends the good news, but Katie reminds her that she and Randy have to get 50 signatures each to be nominated. She also tells them about Igor. They all decide to send Igor get-well cards and wear a yellow ribbon the next day in his honor. They’ll also spread the word and get the other students in on it. By lunch, Randy and Jana each have 75 signatures. Even Taffy Sinclair tells Jana she’ll vote for her since she’s too busy modeling to be in the contest. Deena is looking at the signatures and “accidentally” spills her chocolate milk all over them. She apologizes, but Jana doesn’t think it’s sincere because she has a twinkle in her eyes.
Because Katie’s shirt gets chocolate milk on it, Janna offers to go to her locker and get her one of her gym shirts. But when she gets there ketchup is sprayed all over her stuff. She finds out Monda’s and Whitney’s lockers were hit too. Later, Katie tells her she thinks the chocolate milk spill wasn’t meant for her. Jana can’t figure out why the Deena has it out for her or Whitney (who didn’t tell on her). Maybe it wasn’t Deena but who else could it be?
Jana and Randy don’t seem to have much competition. No one else has entered the contest. So, they’re thinking this really doesn’t prove that their the most popular. They both think about it and decide that just because you have a lot of friends doesn’t mean anything. They know people that are better than them. Although Jana thinks Randy is one of the best people she knows. After this Jana bumps into Deena again and finds out Deena thinks that Jana thinks that she and her friends run the school.
When Jana sees Deena knock over Mona’s books in class, she decides enough is enough. Deena has to be taught a lesson. The ribbons go over well tho. They get a lot of attention from the students and Igor gets lots of cards. At Bumpers, a lot of the kids are now wearing the ribbons. Jana finds Mona crying in the bathroom. Deena grabbed her purse and wouldn’t give it back. She then dumped the bubble mix (that Mona saved her lunch money to get to take to the shelter for the animals to play with) and dumped it inside her purse. Jana confronts Deena (who says it’s none of her business) but then her brothers Max and Joe jump in. They all get into an argument and for the second time, Deena accuses Jana of her and her friends running the school. Jana tries to tell her brothers what Deena’s been up to but they don’t wanna hear it (and don’t believe it). Well, don’t want to believe it. Shane tries to step in, but it doesn’t work this time. Max snatches him up and flings him into the wall. Tony then breaks it up and the bullies all flee.
The girls have a meeting afterward. Jana comes up with an idea to get evidence of her doing all these things and then they can take her to Teen Court. They make plans to have one of them find out her classes. Then they’ll all keep a notebook for updates. The next day, they all report they can’t find anything to nail her with. (Except for hitting Clarence Marshall in the head). Jana follows Deena and sees the evidence she needs when she opens her locker. She even has a thought about how to get it. Jana borrows Garett’s camera and snaps some shots of the object in Deena’s locker and of Deena herself by the locker.
Jana’s pretty satisfied. She has pictures of the ketchup bottle and Mona and Whitney said they’ll speak up in court and say their lockers got sprayed. But when she gets home, Mr. McNatt is there and he accuses Jana of being the one that’s bullying Deena. Jana tries to tell him what Deena’s done, but he dismisses it because she doesn’t have any proof. He suggests that the two girls get to know each other before they leave. Luckily, Jana’s mom believes her but asks her what could have happened that makes Deena act like she does. Jana says she doesn’t know.
At school, still, none’s signed up to run against Randy and Jana. Funny even says Laura won’t run because if everyone else won’t run against them, she knows she won’t win. Jana starts to question if she really does have an ego. After all, she does have a good life. But her friends tell her she doesn’t. So, Jana decides to show the pictures to Mr. McNatt. We already find out earlier that Deena’s mother died and it’s been rough on him to raise her. Deena’s dad takes Janna’s visit wrong and thinks it’s because she wants to be friends with Deena. After dinner, Deena says it’s good that Jana came over. Deena doesn’t invite her other friends over. Deena and Jana go to her room and she snidely questions her about the dance. Jana tells her she didn’t even wanna to run for it. Deena points out she’s got all the friends and she beats she makes them jump through hopes. Jana says not exactly because her friends are so strong-willed. Then she sees a picture of Deena’s mother but she clams up and doesn’t want to talk about her. Jana tells her she’s lucky to have such a nice father. She doesn’t really know her father. He and her mother got divorced. She writes him but he never writes back. He’s an alcoholic. Deena cryptically tells her she’d better get her dress for the dance.
Later that night, Janna feels sorry for Deena. Her father and brothers always seem to think violence is the best way to solve their problems. But it doesn’t last, Deena’s just a bully. That’s all there is to it. Jana makes up a plan and asks her mom for help. She gets the dress and brags about it at school. She notices Deena looking mad whenever it’s mentioned. Shane makes an announcement that Mr. D found out why Igor’s affliction was he’s lonely and needs a girlfriend. Everyone takes off their ribbons and fling them at him.
Jana and Randy of course get voted Mr and Mrs. Seventh Grad. Garrett got Mr. Eight Grade. Deena sees Jana’s name and storms off. Later, Jana sees her name has been smeared out with ketchup. Jana brings the dress to school and all the girls admire it. Deena walks over and listens. Jana says she’s going to put the dress on in the girl’s room before she goes in the auditorium (so Deena will hear her). (This is for the awards ceremony). Jana gets the dress on and goes into the hallway. Deena comes out as expected. She points the ketchup at her and accuses her of thinking she’s better than everybody. She gets her shoes and ankles. Then her father sees her. Jana tells him not to yell at her, She didn’t mean it. She says she doesn’t know how to express herself without doing something damaging because she gets it from him.. She says she doesn’t blame Deena because she doesn’t have all the things she does and she wants to be her friend. Deena’s father blames himself for trying to raise his daughter like he’s raised his sons. Jana says her offer was sincere but it’s up to Deena. Then Jana’s mom says Deena can think on it and if she wants to they can all go out sometimes for lunch. Her father adds or go shopping for girl things. Deena looks happy about this and Jana thinks she and her mom can help her pick some new clothes. That baggy sweat suit look just ain’t workin for her!
Clarence comes in the store while Janna, her mother, and Deena are shopping. He gets embarrassed when the sales girl asks can she help him and he asks how much something cost. It turns out he’s pointing at lingerie. Jana wonders if the reason he came in the store was because he’s into Deena and decids stranger things have happened.
My Thoughts
I think we’ve all heard this plot before. The bully whose lost a parent and we’re supposed to cry and feel sorry for them by the end of the book. Only I know people who’ve lost parents and they haven’t taken it out on anyone else. So NO. THIS IS NO EXCUSE! And I wish Jana and her friends would have been waiting in the hallway with a bucket of ketchup and dumped it all over Deena’s head. Or had it rigged to spill down over her head. That would have been EXACTLY what she got! Not only that she should have got SUSPENDED at the least for vandalizing school property. How did this not escape the school’s attention? Were they so scared of Deena that they just cleaned up their lockers themselves? Cause if they did this was WRONG. They should have marched straight to the principal. The pictures were a good idea and Jana *should* have used them. If anything to show Deena she just can’t go around being a bitch because her father didn’t raise her right. I’ve seen people (in my own family) do this. Act out because of what they said their father didn’t do or give them growing up. This actually reminded me of a “Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire” episode. It was the one where Ashley had a bully and they sat down and talked and worked it out. Only this bully was the way she was because she thought Ashley was trying to move in on a boy she liked (which isn’t that much a better reason). I’m not surprised that Curtis likes Deena AT ALL. It’s usually these kinds of girls *that* gets liked because they’re “difficult”. No surprise there!
Rating: 5
Jana is wrapped up in her thoughts about her weekend with Randy when Deena McNatt bumps into her. Later, Funny tells Jana she should run for Mrs. Seventh Grade for the Wigwam. She says she spreading the rumor that she and Randy will be running. This gets Jana to thinking. She also considers who else could have a chance at Mr. Seventh Grade. She thinks Shane Arrington will make a great candidate. In class, she sees Deena steal one of Whitney’s folders. After class, she threatened Jana that she’d better not tell anyone.
At Bumpers, the Fabulous Five talk about what to do about Deena. They can’t tell Curtis or he might get mad. Then her brothers Joe and Max might come after him. They can’t put her before Teen Court. They don’t have any evidence Deena stole Whitney’s homework and it would be Jana’s word against Deena’s. So they change the subject and it turns to Jana running for Mrs. Seventh Grade. Even though they’re all for it, Jana says she’ll have to ask Randy how he feels about it. Not long after this, they see an altercation between Deena and Clarence. Max was trying to get to the jukebox and pushed Deena and she hit him. Max jumps up but Shane distracts him by telling him Jana needs him for a “re-enactment” for a feature in the paper of the animal donations and Shane wants his autograph before he gets swamped. Afterward, Jana sees Shana looking sad. He confesses to her Igor might die.
Shane says Igor hasn’t eaten in three days. The vet didn’t know what to tell them so they took him to the zoo. They suggested putting some medicine in mashed-up worms, but it didn’t work. Jana asks if Igor can have visitors and Shane says yes. So, she goes over to see him. Igor lays very still. Janna asks if he’s gotten loose or eaten anything other than his normal food, but Shane says no. After meeting his parents, she leaves and tells him she hopes Igor gets better. That night, she talks to Randy who says it’s ok with him if she wants them to run for Mr. and Mrs. Seventh Grade. He’d only do it if she were.
Jana tells her friends the good news, but Katie reminds her that she and Randy have to get 50 signatures each to be nominated. She also tells them about Igor. They all decide to send Igor get-well cards and wear a yellow ribbon the next day in his honor. They’ll also spread the word and get the other students in on it. By lunch, Randy and Jana each have 75 signatures. Even Taffy Sinclair tells Jana she’ll vote for her since she’s too busy modeling to be in the contest. Deena is looking at the signatures and “accidentally” spills her chocolate milk all over them. She apologizes, but Jana doesn’t think it’s sincere because she has a twinkle in her eyes.
Because Katie’s shirt gets chocolate milk on it, Janna offers to go to her locker and get her one of her gym shirts. But when she gets there ketchup is sprayed all over her stuff. She finds out Monda’s and Whitney’s lockers were hit too. Later, Katie tells her she thinks the chocolate milk spill wasn’t meant for her. Jana can’t figure out why the Deena has it out for her or Whitney (who didn’t tell on her). Maybe it wasn’t Deena but who else could it be?
Jana and Randy don’t seem to have much competition. No one else has entered the contest. So, they’re thinking this really doesn’t prove that their the most popular. They both think about it and decide that just because you have a lot of friends doesn’t mean anything. They know people that are better than them. Although Jana thinks Randy is one of the best people she knows. After this Jana bumps into Deena again and finds out Deena thinks that Jana thinks that she and her friends run the school.
When Jana sees Deena knock over Mona’s books in class, she decides enough is enough. Deena has to be taught a lesson. The ribbons go over well tho. They get a lot of attention from the students and Igor gets lots of cards. At Bumpers, a lot of the kids are now wearing the ribbons. Jana finds Mona crying in the bathroom. Deena grabbed her purse and wouldn’t give it back. She then dumped the bubble mix (that Mona saved her lunch money to get to take to the shelter for the animals to play with) and dumped it inside her purse. Jana confronts Deena (who says it’s none of her business) but then her brothers Max and Joe jump in. They all get into an argument and for the second time, Deena accuses Jana of her and her friends running the school. Jana tries to tell her brothers what Deena’s been up to but they don’t wanna hear it (and don’t believe it). Well, don’t want to believe it. Shane tries to step in, but it doesn’t work this time. Max snatches him up and flings him into the wall. Tony then breaks it up and the bullies all flee.
The girls have a meeting afterward. Jana comes up with an idea to get evidence of her doing all these things and then they can take her to Teen Court. They make plans to have one of them find out her classes. Then they’ll all keep a notebook for updates. The next day, they all report they can’t find anything to nail her with. (Except for hitting Clarence Marshall in the head). Jana follows Deena and sees the evidence she needs when she opens her locker. She even has a thought about how to get it. Jana borrows Garett’s camera and snaps some shots of the object in Deena’s locker and of Deena herself by the locker.
Jana’s pretty satisfied. She has pictures of the ketchup bottle and Mona and Whitney said they’ll speak up in court and say their lockers got sprayed. But when she gets home, Mr. McNatt is there and he accuses Jana of being the one that’s bullying Deena. Jana tries to tell him what Deena’s done, but he dismisses it because she doesn’t have any proof. He suggests that the two girls get to know each other before they leave. Luckily, Jana’s mom believes her but asks her what could have happened that makes Deena act like she does. Jana says she doesn’t know.
At school, still, none’s signed up to run against Randy and Jana. Funny even says Laura won’t run because if everyone else won’t run against them, she knows she won’t win. Jana starts to question if she really does have an ego. After all, she does have a good life. But her friends tell her she doesn’t. So, Jana decides to show the pictures to Mr. McNatt. We already find out earlier that Deena’s mother died and it’s been rough on him to raise her. Deena’s dad takes Janna’s visit wrong and thinks it’s because she wants to be friends with Deena. After dinner, Deena says it’s good that Jana came over. Deena doesn’t invite her other friends over. Deena and Jana go to her room and she snidely questions her about the dance. Jana tells her she didn’t even wanna to run for it. Deena points out she’s got all the friends and she beats she makes them jump through hopes. Jana says not exactly because her friends are so strong-willed. Then she sees a picture of Deena’s mother but she clams up and doesn’t want to talk about her. Jana tells her she’s lucky to have such a nice father. She doesn’t really know her father. He and her mother got divorced. She writes him but he never writes back. He’s an alcoholic. Deena cryptically tells her she’d better get her dress for the dance.
Later that night, Janna feels sorry for Deena. Her father and brothers always seem to think violence is the best way to solve their problems. But it doesn’t last, Deena’s just a bully. That’s all there is to it. Jana makes up a plan and asks her mom for help. She gets the dress and brags about it at school. She notices Deena looking mad whenever it’s mentioned. Shane makes an announcement that Mr. D found out why Igor’s affliction was he’s lonely and needs a girlfriend. Everyone takes off their ribbons and fling them at him.
Jana and Randy of course get voted Mr and Mrs. Seventh Grad. Garrett got Mr. Eight Grade. Deena sees Jana’s name and storms off. Later, Jana sees her name has been smeared out with ketchup. Jana brings the dress to school and all the girls admire it. Deena walks over and listens. Jana says she’s going to put the dress on in the girl’s room before she goes in the auditorium (so Deena will hear her). (This is for the awards ceremony). Jana gets the dress on and goes into the hallway. Deena comes out as expected. She points the ketchup at her and accuses her of thinking she’s better than everybody. She gets her shoes and ankles. Then her father sees her. Jana tells him not to yell at her, She didn’t mean it. She says she doesn’t know how to express herself without doing something damaging because she gets it from him.. She says she doesn’t blame Deena because she doesn’t have all the things she does and she wants to be her friend. Deena’s father blames himself for trying to raise his daughter like he’s raised his sons. Jana says her offer was sincere but it’s up to Deena. Then Jana’s mom says Deena can think on it and if she wants to they can all go out sometimes for lunch. Her father adds or go shopping for girl things. Deena looks happy about this and Jana thinks she and her mom can help her pick some new clothes. That baggy sweat suit look just ain’t workin for her!
Clarence comes in the store while Janna, her mother, and Deena are shopping. He gets embarrassed when the sales girl asks can she help him and he asks how much something cost. It turns out he’s pointing at lingerie. Jana wonders if the reason he came in the store was because he’s into Deena and decids stranger things have happened.
My Thoughts
I think we’ve all heard this plot before. The bully whose lost a parent and we’re supposed to cry and feel sorry for them by the end of the book. Only I know people who’ve lost parents and they haven’t taken it out on anyone else. So NO. THIS IS NO EXCUSE! And I wish Jana and her friends would have been waiting in the hallway with a bucket of ketchup and dumped it all over Deena’s head. Or had it rigged to spill down over her head. That would have been EXACTLY what she got! Not only that she should have got SUSPENDED at the least for vandalizing school property. How did this not escape the school’s attention? Were they so scared of Deena that they just cleaned up their lockers themselves? Cause if they did this was WRONG. They should have marched straight to the principal. The pictures were a good idea and Jana *should* have used them. If anything to show Deena she just can’t go around being a bitch because her father didn’t raise her right. I’ve seen people (in my own family) do this. Act out because of what they said their father didn’t do or give them growing up. This actually reminded me of a “Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire” episode. It was the one where Ashley had a bully and they sat down and talked and worked it out. Only this bully was the way she was because she thought Ashley was trying to move in on a boy she liked (which isn’t that much a better reason). I’m not surprised that Curtis likes Deena AT ALL. It’s usually these kinds of girls *that* gets liked because they’re “difficult”. No surprise there!
Rating: 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
Yeah no.
It doesn't matter how hard you have it at home or whether someone's better at something than you are, it's NO EXCUSE to be a bully.
Unfortunately Jana was too nice to Geena. And the McNatt brothers are all enablers who coddle her too much, that's why the entitled brat got away with everything!
What does that show young people? That bullies will never get punished and you have to suck it up or be labeled a pariah by everyone? NO.
People let's say it loud and clear: Bullying IS abuse, and it can damage people.
Being the repetitive target of bullying damages a person’s ability to view themselves as a desirable, capable and effective individual.
As a bullying victim myself, I say we don't have to feel sorry or be nice to the bully if we don't want to, kids need to know it's fine to separate themselves from someone who has been deliberately aggressive or mean, and that refusing to interact with someone is a valid response to being hurt. And have the right to do so. Period. The end.
It doesn't matter how hard you have it at home or whether someone's better at something than you are, it's NO EXCUSE to be a bully.
Unfortunately Jana was too nice to Geena. And the McNatt brothers are all enablers who coddle her too much, that's why the entitled brat got away with everything!
What does that show young people? That bullies will never get punished and you have to suck it up or be labeled a pariah by everyone? NO.
People let's say it loud and clear: Bullying IS abuse, and it can damage people.
Being the repetitive target of bullying damages a person’s ability to view themselves as a desirable, capable and effective individual.
As a bullying victim myself, I say we don't have to feel sorry or be nice to the bully if we don't want to, kids need to know it's fine to separate themselves from someone who has been deliberately aggressive or mean, and that refusing to interact with someone is a valid response to being hurt. And have the right to do so. Period. The end.
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July 29, 2020As a kid every Saturday we went to Kmart, and every Saturday my mom would let me buy one thing, and it was ALWAYS a fabulous five book. (The cover looks like a spiral notebook cover... I thought that was very clever)
I also managed to track down all the Taffy Sinclair books at a thrift store.
I wonder if this series is still at my parents I would definitely read them again.
I remember in the Taffy books Melanie was chubby and it make references to her eating brownies and then one day she was like NO i don't want the brownie... and then she got skinny.
This is a very vague memory... so don't quote me on this one, what you CAN quote me on is that Taffy had a crooked bicuspid, and Jana ate cream cheese and jam sandwiches,... which I tried because of her and they were DIS-GUS-TING, and I never trusted her again.
I also managed to track down all the Taffy Sinclair books at a thrift store.
I wonder if this series is still at my parents I would definitely read them again.
I remember in the Taffy books Melanie was chubby and it make references to her eating brownies and then one day she was like NO i don't want the brownie... and then she got skinny.
This is a very vague memory... so don't quote me on this one, what you CAN quote me on is that Taffy had a crooked bicuspid, and Jana ate cream cheese and jam sandwiches,... which I tried because of her and they were DIS-GUS-TING, and I never trusted her again.
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