Fourth-grader Melanie Martin writes in her diary, describing her family's trip to Italy and all that she learned.

While spending spring break in Spain with her family, eleven-year-old Melanie keeps a diary of her experiences improving her Spanish, struggling with her little brother, meeting her mother's former boyfriend, and falling in love with his son.

Melanie in Manhattan

by Carol Weston

Published 2 January 2005
Eleven-year-old Melanie records in her diary how she rediscovers her hometown of Manhattan, copes with competing for her best friend's attention, enjoys a litter of baby mice, and anxiously awaits email from her Spanish friend, Miguel.

Melanie Martin Goes Dutch

by Carol Weston

Published 14 May 2002
In her diary, ten-year-old Melanie describes how she and her family, accompanied by her best friend Cecily, travel to the Netherlands, where they have a good time despite Cecily's concern for her mother's health and Melanie's struggles with her little brother and her own attitude.