This first book in the series introduces readers to spunky Allie Finkle, a fourth grader who, in an attempt to achieve a bit of order in her ever-more-complicated world, creates a book of rules to live by. Some of her rules are universal ("treat your friends how you'd want them to treat you") and some are lessons she has clearly learned the hard way ("don't get a pet that poops in your hand"). Allie's frustration surrounding her family's move mostly comes from the fact that she had no say in the decision--a sentiment that many young readers will relate to. Allie does become a bit of a local celebrity "animal activist" when she stands up for a cat who is being mistreated by her friend, and then she rescues a turtle that she thinks is bound for turtle soup in a Chinese restaurant.
