How to Be Popular by Meg Cabot

Ever since that day in sixth grade when Steph triped and dumped her Big Red Super Big Gulp on her best friend's white mini skirt, Steph Landry has been the joke of her community. Tired of being the name tied to a local insult, Steph is determined to make herself at the start of her junior year. When she discovers the book "How to Be Popular" in her Grandfather's financee's attic, she believes she has finally found her answer. Following the books advice, Steph soon finds herself friends with the popular crowd and spear-heading a campaign to raise money for the senior class. But what will be the cost of her new found popularity? Setting aside the predictible plot and the obvious moral lessons, this is an enjoyable, light, quick chick read. Steph's voice is strong and honest as she struggles to achieve popularity without loosing herself in the process. The secondary characters are not all fully developed and are at times stereotypical (Mr. Popularity- star athlete and school MVP, his witchy cheerleader girlfriend, the malcontent, etc.) but they each bring important elements into Steph's journey and personal growth. While readers will see the ending coming for miles, the humor and Steph's narration will keep readers engaged to the end of the story.