Cherry Ames rocked! I loved those books, although I only ever read the ones my mom had.

I also loved the Beany Malone books, which were set in the 1940s.

Goodness, did I love Cherry Ames! I also read Sue Barton nurse books, and one called "Bertrice Perry, X-ray technician", which was really interesting in how they developed films, etc.

Also, I so wanted a stove so I could make raisin cakes like Polly in Five Littel Peppers. That is actually one of the ones I re-read from time to time (I also adore Boxcar Children and anything my Louisa May Alcott)

I also loved All-of-a-Kind Family. And the Boxcar Children, and anything by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

I also really like the American Girl books. The dolls get way more attention in the press now, but those books were actually pretty good. Plus, each one had a section at the back with historical information and pictures and things. I remember being horrified by the historical section about child labor in one of the Samantha books (set in 1904). There were some photos of factory worker kids who were missing some fingers.

I also had the American Girl cookbook, which it looks like they don't publish anymore. It had what I think were fairly authentic recipes from the various eras (very few of them were doable for a 1o-year-old alone -- they absolutely require adult supervision, and, in one case, the help of a butcher to tie a cut of meat for roasting), plus historical notes on cooking methods and things like that from the different time periods. There was a huge section on how to set a proper Victorian table, and reproductions of ration cards and nutritional guidelines and Victory garden information from the WWII era, and a bunch of other stuff. I really think the American Girl books and things have gone down in quality a lot since they got bought out by Mattel.

They also used to have kid-sized versions of a lot of the outfits. I had the kid-sized version of this one [link] and loved it. That dress lasted through two summers and still looked perfect. (The horizontal pleats a bit above the hem were apparently something that they did on dresses back then, and they could be let out when the girl grew taller, so the dress could last a few extra seasons. The dress was too long for me as made, so my mom sewed in a third pleat above the other two so that it would be the right length and keep the historical pattern.)

Boxcar Children! And Betsy and Tacey?

Oh, how I loved the Boxcar Children!

I must've read the Boxcar Children 20 times.

Back to Superpowers. My comments spoil for which character get which power, but as that info is on the back cover, I am not going to spoiler-font. However, be aware!

I realized somewhat belatedly that the African-American getting the power of invisibility was not random. Yes, even tho Knut showed us Xavier "taking a Ralph Ellison book out of his locker," I remained oblivious. Until I finished the story and started thinking about the book.

I also was struck by the similarities of Caroline and her mother to someone I know, someone I describe as "flighty."

Of all the heroes, only Charlie can't really turn his powers on and off (well, Jack can't either, but his power affects him physically more than changing who he is. Same with Mary Beth). So after they get their powers, we never see "normal Charlie" again. Brilliant work, then, to start us off with normal Charlie and his POV. And brilliant to have him "doing his usual thing, sitting off to one side and listening to the conversations of the others."

Jack and Mary Beth don't seem to quite fit this mold. I guess it's the power of irony with MB, as she's diminutive and retiring. And same with Jack, maybe? The stereotype of the slow farm boy reversed?

I also appreciate the total whitebread names of the heroes. Very traditional comic book.

Also, mental blocking, but what is the name of the little girl who lives in a hotel and gets to boss the grownups around. Written by a showgirl with a Dorthy Parker complex back in the 50's or 60s but witty enough to pull it off. In sequels the little girl goes to Paris, and Russia, and there is one at Christmas. They made some movies based on her. Both a good suggestion and I'm going crazy not remembering the character name and title.

I remembered. Eloise by Kay Thompson! And Kay Thompson also directed, did standup, played the piano.

The character of Eloise was based on Liza Minelli.

I realized somewhat belatedly that the African-American getting the power of invisibility was not random.

Yeah, that was a great touch. I don't know if David S ever drops by anymore, but I dug his book a lot. I've been meaning to review it, but my time's been at a premium recently.