The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes

A children's series by Anne Mazer.

The series chronicles the life of Abigail "Abby" Hayes, a purple-loving, journal-writing Redheaded Hero who also suffers from Middle Child Syndrome. These books are notable for being realistic, even when reality isn't pleasant (ie-- a good friend evolving from a Nice Girl and a Shrinking Violet to a borderline mean girl.) The first 15 books covered Abby in fifth grade. After a Super Special, the second Super Special was her entering the sixth grade.

Tropes in these books include...
"Laurie is like a hamster. She nibbles on nuts and seeds all day long. She won't eat the food we serve."
 * Alpha Bitch: Brianna and Victoria, although Brianna is more boastful and self-centered than outright mean. Natalie becomes this. Averted with Cleo, who's more of a Lovable Alpha Bitch.
 * Annoying Younger Sibling: Averted with Alex. Hannah's little sister is this in Hannah's eyes, but no one else thinks so.
 * Catch Phrase: "Yay, Brianna!" used to be Bethany's.
 * Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: Laurie, Abby's mother's old friend from college, proves to be this when she visits the Hayes family over summer.
 * Cool Big Sis: Abby has two of them, and Alex has three.
 * Cool Old Lady: Grandma Emma is this is Abby's eyes.
 * Different As Night and Day: Isabel and Eva.
 * Girl Posse: Bethany was a one-woman Girl Posse for Brianna.
 * Granola Girl: Laurie takes this to ridiculous extremes. Best summed up by Abby:


 * It's All About Me: Brianna.
 * Like Is, Like, a Comma: Good lord, Victoria.
 * Middle Child Syndrome: Comes into play in the fourth book when Eva and Isabel have new rollerblades, but Abby is stuck with wearing Eva's old pair because it doesn't fit Alex, who gets new ones as well.
 * Redheaded Hero
 * Rich Bitch: Brianna, implied with Victoria.
 * Tomboy: Eva. Jessica, formerly.
 * Traumatic Haircut: Abby accidentally gives herself one, but Brianna offers her some of her hair gel to make it look better until it grows back.
 * Unlucky Childhood Friend: Mason to Abby.
 * Valley Girl: Maybe not literally, but Victoria certainly talks like one.
 * Verbal Tic: Victoria's love of the word "like."
 * Wham! Episode: Home Is Where The Heart Is