This book is the sequel to My Last Best Friend. Ida May and her new friend, Stacey Merriweather discover a mermaid nightlight one day while rummaging in the attic at Ida May’s house. When the nightlight is turned off, the mermaid has a very pleasant smile. But when they turn it on, it has a really scary grin. They believe that the nightlight can grant amazing wishes and decide to form a Secret Mermaid Club. They cast their first spell on Jenna who is the fourth grade bully and actually turn her hair green! Things get really messy, however, when they have to start lying to make their wishes come true. Their friendship is tested when Ida May finally decides to stand up for what she knows is right.

It is time for Tim to assume his secret identity as he pulls his Robin, Boy Wonder uniform from the secret compartment of his gym bag. Moments later he is racing through Gotham City on his turbo-charged Redbird motorcycle. Will he be able to solve the Riddler’s clues and rescue Batman before it is too late?

This book also realistically deals with the heartbreak of divorcing households and the extra problems that it brings to the family unit. Ida May lives with both of her parents but Stacey’s folks are divorced. Because of the breakup of their family, Stacey and her mother have to move in with her grandmother while her brother lives with their Dad. She also has to deal with all of the problems of being the new girl in a new school.

There is an unexpected surprise at the end of the story but you will have to read this book to find out what it is. Young girls who like the Judy Moody books as well as the Junie B. Jones series will be glad to add this series to their bookshelf and become Ida May’s newest best friend.

Other Recommendations:

• My Last Best Friend by Julie Bowe
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney