Review Detail

When sixteen-year-old Steph Landry finds an old book on how to be popular, she knows it's her chance to get back in with the cool crowd and to finally get Mark Finley, the hottest boy in school, to notice her, so she gives her attitude a makeover and starts getting involved in social activities. All of a sudden, everyone loves her!--at least, everyone but queen bee Lauren Moffat, who's had it in for Steph for years, and Steph's two oldest buddies, Jason and Becca, who can't understand why she would want to be accepted by the phony popular set. When she has to choose between disappointing her new pals and letting down her old ones, Steph realizes in some unexpected ways that if you're true to yourself, you'll always have friends.

Meg Cabot's natural, humorous style makes How to be Popular an entertaining, and, yes, romantic, read, but this novel isn't just fluff--it thoroughly examines the question of whether popularity comes from the outside or the inside. Instead of perpetuating the consumerist message of so many recent young adult novels by focusing on the trendiest brands of clothing and accessories that teens can wear to make people admire them, Cabot takes the position that personality matters above all, urging the younger generation to be genuine, friendly and dependable and to treat everyone with respect. With skilled writing and such a positive message, this story will please readers and parents alike.