March 30, 2009
An honest narrator grounds this sweet story about two sisters learning to accept their differences—and help each other grow up. The sisters, who live in an exclusive Atlanta neighborhood, both attend “the most prestigious prep school in the South,” but while narrator Carly thrives on being an individual, Anna's pretty face and developing body earn her a different kind of attention. Carly stands up for her softer sister often (telling their mom to stop treating curvy Anna like she is fat, for example). She realizes, though, that she is jealous of Anna's looks even though “I'm her big sister, who should be above such things.” As the sisters get different friends and interests, Carly spends less time with Anna, and they find themselves saying mean things and betraying each other (Anna even hooks up with Carly's crush). The conclusion gets emotionally overwrought with a teary scene in which the sisters turn into “a puddle of ridiculous-ness,” but mostly readers will find both the characters and their problems genuine. Ages 12–up.
August 1, 2009
Gr 8-10-This paean to sisters is flat-out wonderful, full of emotion and bittersweet teenage confusion. It tackles faith, racism, sexism, and the tug-of-war close siblings can engage in while establishing their identity. Free-spirited sophomore Carly reacts against the consumerism of the girls' upscale Atlanta neighborhood while she enjoys what it has to offer. Freshman Anna relies on Carly at their prestigious private school, Holy Redeemer. She has developed large breasts that grant her unwanted attention. Carly helps her sister to face down a bullying coach, and the girls support each other against their über-critical father. Everyone but Carly can see that dependable Roger could be her "love boodle," but she has a crush on Cole, who has "soulful eyes." A sleepover when the girls' parents are away develops into an out-of-control party, and the sisters' trust in one another frays when Carla finds Anna with Cole. Ultimately, however, their bond strengthens. Language is realistic with some swearing. These are girls with hot tempers, bruised egos, and great love for one another. Readers will love them, too."Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA"
Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
April 15, 2009
Grades 8-12 Fifteen-year-old Carly has a problemtwo, actually: her younger sister Annas new real live Hooters-esque boobs. While Carly was away getting self-actualized at a back-to-nature camp, Anna was busy turning into a hottie, a state that makes granola-girl Carly uncomfortably jealous. Now back in her privileged Atlanta suburb, Carly is struggling with feelings of insecurity as she tries to reconcile her newly acquired bohemian belief system with the incredible wealthin whichshe has been raised. In addition, her crush hardly notices her, she feels trapped between her rival best friends, and her parents seem to be growing more distantwith each otherby the day. Writing for an older teen audience, Myracle empathetically explores issues of socioeconomic class, sibling rivalry, and parental influence in a story that is deeper and more nuanced than the title and cutesy cover, dotted with rubber ducks and a peace sign, imply. A must-read for fans of Sarah Dessen and Justina Chen Headley.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2009
Sophomore Carly is determined to hold onto "realness"--a challenge in her wealthy Atlanta suburb. She's eager to show her little sister the ropes, but Anna, with her new "Hooters-esque boobs," gets plenty of attention on her own. With humor and empathy, Myracle explores the hazardous trails of evolving friendships and devastating crushes--and the elastic bonds of sisterhood that outlast them all.
(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
July 1, 2009
After a rugged summer of trail-clearing in the Tennessee mountains, high school sophomore Carly is determined to hold onto "realness" -- a considerable challenge in the pink-manicured, privileged world of her wealthy Atlanta suburb. Wearing flowing skirts and "Jesus sandals" amid the J.Crew clones at Holy Redeemer High School, Carly constantly challenges the status quo, provoking her parents and classmates alike on issues of race, class, and religion. She is eager to show her little sister Anna the ropes at high school, but Anna, with her new "Hooters-esque boobs," gets plenty of attention on her own, changing the dynamics of the sisters' relationship in uncomfortable ways. Things look up when the gorgeous new boy, Cole, seems to appreciate Carly's differences, even sharing her love of "peace and love" sixties music. But, like her friendship with sweet, reliable Roger and her simmering jealousy of Anna, everything is complicated in high school. It all comes to a head when the girls' parents leave town and a small gathering turns (predictably) into an out-of-control party involving wine coolers, live baby ducks, and the ultimate betrayal of sisterhood. With humor and empathy, Myracle explores the hazardous trails of evolving friendships, unfair teachers, and devastating crushes -- and the elastic bonds of sisterhood that outlast them all.
(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)