Shrimp

Starred review from January 24, 2005
Cohn returns to spunky narrator Cyd Charisse for this compelling sequel to her first novel, Gingerbread
. In this installment, Cyd Charisse (now calling herself CC) has returned from visiting her "bio-dad" in New York and prepares for her senior year in San Francisco, determined to rekindle her romance with Shrimp. But even as she and the artistic surfer give their relationship another try, CC learns more about herself, finding out how to " a member of my family and... there are chicks my own age who are actually cool and friend-worthy." Her mother is pushing college, and Shrimp wants her to move to New Zealand with him ("The surfing is killer there," he pleads); ultimately, CC will have to decide her future for herself. Once again, the memorable heroine's light-hearted, sassy narration will enthrall her fans, and win over new recruits. She is a complete character, likeable as much for her daring outfits and attitude as for her good heart and energy. There are some glitches: a subplot about Alexei, a handsome college student who is taking a semester off to work for her step-dad, goes nowhere, and even Cyd's first female friends seem to disappear quickly from the story. But readers will be swept up in her relationship with Shrimp, which reads as authentic young love, from a romantic night spent snuggling on a rooftop hammock to struggling with each other's pasts—and their different ideas for the future. Ages 12-up.

February 1, 2005
Gr 9 Up -Cyd Charisse's coveted doll, whom readers met in "Gingerbread "(S & S, 2002), has taken up residence on her second-grade sister's bed. Cyd has just returned from New York City, where she met her bio-dad. She is suffering from a major case of Shrimp longing even though she and her surfer boyfriend had broken up, and she's determined to test the waters again with her "one true love." As soon as she can find him, that is. He is expected back soon from traveling in Papua New Guinea with his parents. Meanwhile, CC is trying to keep the peace at home with her mother, who wants her to fill out college applications. Alexei the Horrible, godson of her parents' chauffeur, shows up and some (predictable) sparks fly between him and Cyd. Shrimp does make a few rare appearances (with parents!), when he's not surfing or painting, but tries to stay "just friends" with Cyd even though the "We're Officially Back On" kiss is just so close in coming. Cohn's humor is right on. If teens laugh out loud at Louise Rennison's books, they will surely be turned on by this one, though it will help to have read "Gingerbread" first. The joy of the book can be found in the familiar characters and meeting new ones, and this title leaves open the possibility for a third installment." -Kelly Czarnecki, Bloomington Public Library, IL"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2005
Gr. 9-12. Those who met Cyd Charisse in " Gingerbread"(2002) will be up to speed on CC's family relationships; her boyfriend, Shrimp; " "nd her summer in New York City. But new readers get plenty of back story (sometimes tucked in neatly, sometimes bursting out of the plot) as CC returns to San Francisco, where her mother wants her to fill out college applications and Shrimp wants to be "just friends." CC's voice, full of humor and a touch of ennui, will be familiar to YA readers. Likewise, the plot, with parental problems and romantic entanglements, covers well-trod territory. But Cohn adds her own spice to the stew. CC's confession to Shrimp about her abortion is both startling and honest, and the revelation affects others, especially her stepfather, who is brought to tears by the news. Cohn also adeptly captures the mating dance of teenage relationships, the push-pull that always seems to find one partner out of step. Using language that is honest and sometimes brash, she has created a protagonist similar to many heroines, but still her own person.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)