Second Skin

July 13, 2009
F-list sophomore Samantha (Sam) Klein discovers the secret to popularity in Wollman's (Switched) whimsical novel. All she has to do is slip into a different skin. Literally. Sam discovers the magical "skin" when she spies her new neighbor, "it girl" Kylie, taking it off in her bedroom ("I actually saw something-something flesh-colored-slip down the perfect column of her body"). Unable to resist the temptation of usurping Kylie's social status, Sam steals the bodysuit. The first time she tries it on, it fits perfectly and Sam instantly starts feeling more confident. However, as time passes, the synthetic skin becomes increasingly restrictive, both physically and metaphorically. Sam's social climbing, which coincides with Kylie's fall, is smartly depicted, showing both the benefits of being popular (snagging a cute boy friend) and the pitfalls (being too busy to hang out with old friends). Even though the moral-being the queen bee isn't all fun and games-is predictable, the narrative and escapades depicted here are fresh enough to provide laugh-aloud fun as well as some thought-provoking moments. Ages 12-up.

October 1, 2009
Gr 6-10-Samantha Klein's meteoric rise from nobody to It-girl starts when the reigning popularity princess, Kylie Frank, moves in next door and Sam unwittingly discovers her secret to success: a magical "Skin," much like a nylon body suit, that gives the wearer complete popularity. When Sam steals it, she gains popularity while Kylie's rating declines, and Sam's oversize sweatshirts and frizzy hairstyle are adopted by the popular crowd. Before the end of the semester, she's on the pep squad and the Spring Fling planning committee, and has left behind her old friends in favor of cooler girls and the hottest guy in school. There is a catch, though: the Skin comes to its wearer with a set of simple rulesrules that Sam doesn't know. Before long, it begins to feel uncomfortably tight, and Sam must decide whether her newfound popularity is really worth it. Though the plot is fairly predictable, its touches of humor make it an enjoyable story. This fun, light read will appeal to teens who enjoyed Meg Cabot's "How to Be Popular" (HarperTeen, 2006) and Kieran Scott's "I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader" (Putnam, 2005)."Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2009
Grades 8-11 Beauty is only skin deep, but what if slipping on a magical skin could bestow popularity upon the wearer? Thats the premise behind this slight, entertaining tale of unlikely friendships and exclusive high-school cliques. Sixteen-year-old Samantha has two great friendssmart, geeky fellow misfits Gwen and Alexbut they are her only friends. Sam is mesmerized by the schools A-listers, especially the impossibly gorgeous Kylie and her equally gorgeous boyfriend, Tanner. When Sam discovers that Kylie has a second skin that makes her beautiful and popular, she manages to steal it and wear it herself, watching in amazement as the A-listers dump Kylie and install Sam as the Queen Bee. Eventually, both Sam and Kylie discard the skin, realizing its better to be liked for who you actually are. Predictable and dogmatic? Yes, but Wollmans spot-on portrayal of various teen types and Sams wry narrative voice set this a step above standard teen romances.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)