Star and a half because the author can write; she just can't write Middle Grade characters. I first read this half a dozen times in fifth grade. I wanted my school to do something like it! We did not. I wished I was tall like Dinah. Instead, I had a -lot- in common with Orin. Still do. As an adult, I have to ask: does Kool-Aid work as a hair dye on fine, blonde hair? I have dark hair that requires special dye and styling products, so Kool-Aid attempts would never amount to anything. I'm just curious if the urban legend is true. So, Kool-Aid's possible uses have more of my attention in this story, than the story itself. I was surprised at how boring and annoying I found this book as an adult. There were too many stories and characters jammed into one little book, and the chapter names were annoying. I'm glad I found it again, though. I have set aside a good book for myself to read, and shall now. ( )