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(4)
YA
This follow-up to Pretenders continues the conceit: five popular freshmen at Noble High reveal their secrets in private diaries and journals that have since been leaked by one of their own. This entertaining entry offers more closure than its predecessor, but, despite its varied voices and clever formats, it still feels a bit like a Gossip Girl knockoff.
298 pp.
| Little/Poppy
| October, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-22244-0$18.00
(3)
YA
Taking the form of private diaries written for English class (and supposedly kept confidential), Harrison's novel delves into the secret lives of five high school freshmen. From overachieving Vanessa to aspiring basketball star Duffy, the students' voices are distinctive and lively, and readers will enjoy seeing how their stories intersect. Few questions are resolved, however, making this ripe for sequels.
232 pp.
| Little/Poppy
| May, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-09917-2$17.99
(4)
YA
Monster High series.
The supernatural gang at Merston High has some new challenges, such as vampire Lala's attempts to win a sponsorship contest for the school. There's the usual, often grating, cutesy wordplay and of-the-moment celebrity references (e.g., Frankie's "approval rating was in the Obama-got-Osama range"), but this fourth series entry wraps up the school year in a satisfying, and apparently series-ending, conclusion.
241 pp.
| Little/Poppy
| April, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-09911-0$16.99
(4)
YA
Melody and Frankie (Monster High) are working on a film to encourage tolerance of the monster community among human "normies." Jealous of their spotlight, Cleo, a mummy, tries to attract attention to her Teen Vogue shoot instead. The teenage monsters motif (not to mention overdone similes and pop-culture references) feels tired, but fans of the first book may enjoy this one.
257 pp.
| Little/Poppy
| September, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-09918-9$16.99
(4)
YA
New student Melody, desperate for friends at Merston High, has a crush on her nerdy--but strange--neighbor. Frankie Stein, who's also new, learns that because she's feared by “normies” (humans), she must hide her beautiful (to her) green skin. The monster premise makes for some creative characterizations but it can't completely mask the expected boy and friendship drama.