Zibby Payne & the Party Problem
by Alison Bell

    ZIBBY PAYNE & THE PARTY PROBLEM by Alison Bell
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  5/15/08
    Publisher:  Lobster Press
    Reviewed by:  Allison Fraclose
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Zibby Payne has been invited to a lot of parties lately, and she’s noticed a significant problem: someone always gets
    left out. Whether it’s a coupon for a “Special Party Prize for Special Friends,” or secret sleepovers because only so
    many girls are allowed, Zibby is tired of the inequality, and makes up her mind to throw The Most Inclusive Party on
    the Planet.

    “A party for all, and all for the party!”

    But even when Zibby thinks that she gets everyone on the invite list, she realizes that she’s still not living up to her
    own declaration. Guilt persuades her to invite Vanessa and Franny, the two class losers. And what about the boys?
    Zibby can’t leave out her soccer friends, can she? Suddenly, the guest list leaps from 24 to 34, and Vanessa and
    Franny are so intent on helping plan the party that they just might ruin everything. Will this party idea turn out to be
    Zibby’s Worst Idea Ever?

    Of the Zibby books, I found this one to be my favorite. Zibby’s insistence on equality and inclusion for all is refreshing
    in an age where most social groups are anything but equal and inclusive. The problems she encounters by trying to
    break the unspoken social taboos of her circle are real, as are the solutions that arise. Very nicely done!