Mates, Dates, and Sequin Smiles

September 1, 2004
Gr 6-9-Nesta is shocked to learn that her three best friends consider her shallow. Determined to prove them wrong, she sets out to attract a guy with her brain as well as her body. But things go terribly wrong when she discovers that she must get braces. Positive that her social life will be in ruins, she takes an acting class offered through adult education where she's sure she won't meet any cute boys-until Luke arrives. Nesta is a typical teen whose overreactions to situations and less-than-well-thought-out plans result in some humorous predicaments. Readers will enjoy the relationships among Nesta and her friends and will eagerly wait to see if things work out between her and Luke. Although part of a series, the book easily stands alone.-Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.