This is a cute, funny book that is actually a collection of very short stories written by over 20 women know for their humor. The book is written for a younger audience, perhaps age 10 to 13. It was fun to read. Some of the stories were comics, poems, a zodiac description, their was even a mad-lib. Many were just short stories that will appeal to young girls. It's a great book to empower girls while at the same time mixing in humor and sarcasm. I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Editor Betsy Bird has collected some wonderfully funny writing, all by female writers. Well, there was one brother involved, but she assures us that they kept "him in line." (That would be Jennifer Holm's brother, Matt.) The book is a mix of graphic shorts, advice on various subjects, short stories (some semi-autobiographical), quizzes, and even MadLibs to predict your future. Whatever the chosen format, they are all humorous. There is Carmen Agra Deedy's story of her mother setting fire to the bathtub. Raina Telgemeier's "Killer Bee" incident. Mitali Perkins has a great "Brown Girl Pop Quiz" in which she points out that Western movies should be more like Bollywood productions. "Think of Jedi knights doing a choreographed number after the Death Star explodes," she suggests. The explanation of the Chinese Zodiac by Lenore Look includes things like lucky nail colors (if you are Rabbit, "None...The less noticeable your feet are, the better"), or unlucky career choices (for Monkey, "Involuntary astronaut in early space programs"). One of my favorites is the recurring "Fleamail" advice column by Bella and Rover, written by Deborah Underwood. This cat and dog team offer hilarious advice to other animals, once even trying out a "Pawed Cast" format.

If you know middle grade readers who are always asking for more "funny books," then you should add this to your shelf. Whether it is advice on playing imaginary games from Leila Sales or a babysitting comedy/horror tale from Shannon Hale, all the pieces in the collection fit the bill. On second thought, you had better buy multiple copies.

Betsy Bird has brought together a diverse group of some of the funniest contemporary female writers in this hilarious anthology for middle-graders. Shannon Hale's hysterical short story about a baby-sitting nightmare is sure to have readers laughing out loud, as will Carmen Agra Deedy's story about her mom setting fire to the bathtub. Comic-type stories include Lisa Brown's brief memoir about her brother sticking a Tic-Tac up his nose. Leila Sales' how to for playing make-believe should be required reading. Sprinkled throughout the collection are mad libs, poetry, quizzes, and an ongoing pet advice column from a cat and dog duo created by Deborah Underwood. And budding comedians will want to soak up all the advice from professionals like Adrienne Chalepah. This much needed anthology has something to tickle every funny bone.

There is something for everyone here- graphic novels, stories even how to tell a joke and Mad Libs.
Many of your favorite authors in middle school fiction have been included in this collection and there is only one requirement - to be funny! Boys may not get all the jokes but I think they will appreciate the talent. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

This is a great collection of stories full of girl power. Readers will definitley enjoy the variety of formats such as short stories, comics, and even mad libs! There is a vareity of topics, too, from sibling issues to personal hygiene topics. I would recommend this to girls just as I would recommend Avi's book The Most Important Thing: Stories About Sons, Fathers, and Grandfathers to boys.