Ten-year-old EJ Payne, a pastor’s kid lives in boring Spooner, Wisconsin. But her Anne-of-Green-Gables-like imagination keeps life interesting—and gives her the reputation as an airhead. Her snarky nemesis, CoraLee McCallister, takes every opportunity to belittle EJ and rubs it in when she defeats EJ in the spelling bee and captures the lead in the Christmas play. Still, when EJ accepts a backup part in the play, she gets more than she bargained for, including the blossoming of some amazing changes
With nice humor, Annie Tipton portrays the life of a young PK. Emma Jean has a great relationship with her parents who also possess entertaining idiosyncrasies, along with some serious wisdom. The plot may seem pedestrian to some, but the humor keeps it interesting, and the emotional, life changing climax is worth waiting for. Diary of a Real Payne is an excellent example of applying Christian principles to the life of a ten-year-old.
Age Range: 8-11
Genre: Contemporary, Humor
Series: Book One of Three
2013 Barbour Publishing
Available: Christianbooks.com Amazon, And ask for this title from your local library
