Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself!
Welcome to Partonville, Book 3
by Charlene Ann Baumbich

List Price: $12.00
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 0143034286
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Gladys, acting mayor of Partonville, is on a tear. The fall celebration is just around the corner and there's more to do than can possibly be done --- especially since Dorothy is conspicuously absent from the inaugural committee meeting. She has enough on her plate, with band practice and getting the talent show up and running. Besides, Arthur's presence at the meeting --- due primarily to his being duped into attending by his wife, Jessie --- draws attention away from Dorothy's absence. Not only is the festival in the works, but Gladys has decided to inject even more life into the town by announcing that a Centennial Plus 30 will coincide with the annual revelry.

Meanwhile, Katie and Josh are having very real --- but very different --- identity crises. Popularity at his new school agrees with Josh --- only it's not the same Josh who came to Partonville just a short time ago. Katie is equally confused: old letters she's unearthed show her mother and aunt communicating in an odd code. What can it mean? The mother Katie thought she knew is slowly becoming a stranger. And --- even more perplexing --- is it possible that Gladys actually has a heart?

Secrets of the past find themselves aired in the present as Partonville erupts in whispers and almost unheard-of scandal. As usual, Dorothy finds herself right in the center of all the commotion. But once things calm down and traffic gets back to normal, Partonville finds itself, quite literally, catching up with time.

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1. Gladys's cantankerous façade seems to be showing cracks. Do you think her stern attitude is a result of deeper psychological issues? Does she take her position as acting mayor too far?

2. Josh realizes he's getting a little big for his britches. Can you recall being put in your place? Were you grateful? Is the emphasis on being "popular" damaging to children?

3. Dorothy takes a cricket's chirp to be a sign from God. Have you ever asked for a sign from God that was granted? If it were as subtle as a cricket's chirp, would you even notice?

4. Katie gets a bit angry when Dorothy keeps talking about God. Is it better to witness to people in turmoil or to let them find the peace of prayer on their own?

5. Dorothy prays and prays about whether or not to tell Katie the truth about her past. Do you agree with her decision?

6. Do you agree that the secret Katie discovers about her mother should be shared with the residents of Partonville? Will it help her fellow townsfolk to accept her?

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