Brand X

December 1, 2006
Gr 8 Up-Jordie Popkin prefers English to science and only attends the Manhattan Science Magnet School because that is what is expected of her. She wants the coveted internship at "Time" magazine, but ends up with a spot at Out of the Box, a marketing firm that creates the toys that come with fast-food meals. She is excited by this opportunity because it will allow her to use her creativity and writing skills, but it turns out to be a very different work environment than she had expected. Jodies quirky new mentors decide to use their marketing skills to help her win the attention of the class hottie, Vaughan Nussman. Their plan includes having the teen showcase her assets, using a new bra and a revealing shirt. This new look lands her a date with Vaughan. It doesnt take long for her to realize that he is vain and unpleasant and that quiet, intelligent Zane, formerly just a friend, is the one for her. While the concept of using marketing strategies to catch your man is intriguing, and the characters and situations are humorous at times, the book falls short. The conflicts and teen angst that plague Jordie are all taken care of neatly at the end of the book, giving it a contrived feeling. Readers looking for a light romance might be better served by reading Catherine Gilbert Murdocks "Dairy Queen" (Houghton) or Jennifer Echolss "Major Crush" (S & S, both 2006)."Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert, Merton Williams Middle School, Hilton, NY"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.