**United Tates of America

A Novel with Scrapbook Art

by Paula Danziger

Reviewed April 21, 2003.
Scholastic Press, New York, 2002.  156 pages.

Skate Tate is starting middle school and not sure how she feels about all the changes.  Her best friend is finding other interests.  Her Great-Uncle Mort, known as GUM, a world traveler, tries to convince her that this is a new adventure.  She tries out as artist for the school paper, using her scrapbooking ideas on her art.

This is a simple book with a nice story.  The last 32 pages are taken from Skate’s scrapbook, and add a nice touch to the story.  Scrapbooking families will especially like this book.