Will Gens parents finally notice her if she gives them a surprise party? Despite being class president, honor student, and the good child of the Bishop family, Genevieve angrily realizes that the outrageous antics of her pesty kid brother Ernest always put him on center stage both at school and at home. When she overhears her parents discussing their upcoming twenty-fifth anniversary, Gen determines the perfect way to finally get their attention--a surprise party! In true Gen fashion, she attempts to take charge of everything, to invite a small number of guests, to plan the menu, and to make absolutely certain the party is kept a secret. However, things do not turn out exactly as planned. The intimate gathering begins to evolve into a mob scene, Gen's parents seem to be catching on, and Ernest invites Grandma Perl, the last person in the world her parents want to see. For reasons that her parents refuse to discuss, Gen has never seen or even been allowed to ask about her mysterious grandmother, who has not been in touch with the Bishops for more than twenty-five years. As the situation slips completely out of her control, Gen desperately struggles to avoid a family disaster. Marilyn Sachs serves up a poignant and very funny slice of life. The suspense at each chapter's end will seduce reluctant readers into nonstop reading until the real surprise of the party--the inevitable encounter with Grandma Perl.