Upside Down

She was a girl who could not wait. Life was so interesting she had to find out what happened next ​​

If it isn't a requirement, it should be:
​ All Children Should Become Acquainted with Ramona Quimby
Ramona is a girl who knows what she wants and speaks her own mind. She really isn't interested in what you think should happen. She already knows what should be done and goes about doing just that. She's the girl that everyone can relate with. Either you are a Ramona -type or you are older sister Beezus-type. You may be frustrated trying to deal with her. You may be exasperated trying to reason with her. But one thing is certain. You will never ever be bored. Never.

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes

She had high hopes for the day. All of them involved her ninja suit."You look like a criminal"
​"No I don't,"Beatrice replied."I look like me."

Welcome to 2017 and the new girl in Kid Lit, Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker.  Shelley Johannes has created one unique individual. Beatrice always does things her own way. Not the way that her family hopes. Not the way that her teacher expects. She thinks things out for herself. As second grade concludes, Beatrice and Lenny, her best friend and partner-in-hijinks, concoct a plan: third grade will be Operation Upside. They will be spies!  When the new school year begins, Beatrice sets out, wearing her ninja suit and ready for a year of reconnaissance. To her astonishment, Lenny instead shows up for class wearing a skirt and a pink ruffled sweater, bringing along  Chloe, a new friend.
Beatrice is crushed. Gone are her plans for a secret mission with her unconventional ninja-loving friend. What happened to Lenny? Is her plan doomed? How will Chloe fit into her schemes? Can she survive the watchful eye of her new teacher? 

​Johannes’ early chapter book contains wild adventures, puns, and illustrations with just the right amount of zaniness. Did I mention the Pig Latin? Young readers will not be able to get enough of Miss Zinker, a book chock full of more fun than should be allowed. But go ahead and read it. You too might be an upside down thinker.

Upside Down Deliciousness

If you are acquainted with Beatrice, then you know of her affinity with this dessert. Why not try making these Pineapple Upside Down Mini-Cakes? They are fun and easy and yummy! Here is the recipe from an upright girl who knows the up and down sides of cake: Betty Crocker.

Not everything in her life was a piece of cake -but tonight the Zinkers were eating cake for dinner. And tomorrow, if all went according to plan, Operation Upside would surprise another winner.

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 cans (8 oz each) pineapple slices in juice drained,  reserving juice
12maraschino cherries
1box  yellow cake mix
1 cup pineapple juice (from cans of pineapple)
1/2cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
Steps
1 Heat oven to 350°F. Place 1 teaspoon melted butter in each of 12 ungreased jumbo or large muffin cups. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar to each muffin cup. Place 1 pineapple slice in each cup; place 1 cherry in center of each pineapple slice.
2 In large bowl, beat cake mix, 1 cup pineapple juice, the oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed until moistened; beat 2 minutes on high speed. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
3 Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and cakes spring back with touched lightly in center. Cool cakes in cups 5 to 10 minutes.
4 Place cookie sheet upside down over each muffin pan; turn cookie sheet and muffin pan over. Remove pan. 

Girls Who "Did It My Way"

I hope you like books written by somebody who once tipped a whole box of cornflakes over her head. That's me!

Moms just have no imagination, thought Dyamonde.

I'd rather jump on the bed than go to bed. Who wants to sleep when there are so many fun things to do?

She wore lots of reflective tape- "Everyone should wear reflecitve tape." Ruby liked to say.