Ready or Not

February 1, 2006
Gr 9 Up -Ariadne Myers convincingly narrates this sequel (HarperCollins, 2005) to "All American Girl" (HarperCollins, 2002; Listening Library, 2002) in which high schooler Samantha Madison achieved celebrity status after saving the President -s life and dating his son, David. Now, Samantha is facing many things for which she is not quite sure she is ready. There -s the new art class featuring -life drawing, - the constant recognition by strangers, and juggling her job at a video store while also being Teen Ambassador to the UN. Add to this David asking her to spend Thanksgiving at Camp David where they can play -Parcheesi, - which Samantha is sure is code for -sex. - While trying to figure out if she is ready for her relationship with David to progress, Samantha learns from her older sister, Lucy, about condoms, spermicidal foam, and -practicing - using the bath nozzle or the hand-held shower head. The obsession with her decision leads to some embarrassing moments on MTV with the President while discussing his new family values initiative. In a story within the story, Lucy, who is beautiful and popular, realizes that looks are not the only thing that can attract people to each other. Myers believably portrays Samantha with all of the awkwardness, wonder, and curiosity of a teen discovering her budding sexuality and deciding if she is ready or not for all that life has to offer. While no sexual acts are graphically depicted, the frank and honest talk of masturbation makes this audiobook best suited for high school and public libraries in less conservative districts. -"Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.