The song Bitsy has chosen to perform in the talent show, I Enjoy Being A Girl, couldn't be further from her own personality, but she's determined to mold her image to fit, making an effort to change her hair color and even consider the possibility of (shudder) actually wearing makeup!

The feisty Bitsy has recently resolved to "live in peace with everyone" until she encounters Ernie, the neighborhood bully. For Bitsy, being a "sissy" is never an option, and she's prepared to back that up with her fists. Unfortunately for her new "girly-girl" image, Ernie is more than a match for her, and she emerges from the fight a bloody, black-eyed mess.

To further complicate the situation, rumors of ghosts are thwarting the adults' efforts to establish a resource center for handicapped youngsters next door, and of course Bitsy and her friends feel they must help investigate.

Author Skelton never condescends to her young audience. She especially shines in the action and crisis scenes, where it's touch and go for Bitsy or her friends. (Watch for an early nail-biter that involves being buried in the sand.)

In this second Bitsy mystery, Vonda Skelton has again given young readers a thoroughly three-dimensional character to cheer for--and occasionally laugh at--in a warm family atmosphere. As young womanhood looms on the horizon, Bitsy is making an effort to control her hair trigger temper, but she's not going to give up being a tomboy without a fight!