Girl Wonder

March 21, 2011
In Martin's debut novel, Charlotte feels like an outsider in her own family. Her parents are hugely successful, and her younger brother is a genius who's attending the best private school in their new home of Seattle. But Charlotte has a learning disability that excludes her from any prep school. Starting her senior year in a tough public school, Charlotte meets Amanda, who's confident, sexy, and smartâeverything Charlotte longs to be. Then there's Neal, a boy so hot Charlotte can't believe he is interested in her. At first, hanging out with Amanda and Neal is just what she's looking for, but keeping up with Amanda's partying (an acid trip goes poorly for Charlotte) proves difficult, her schoolwork suffers, and Neal's desire to keep their relationship a secret triggers insecurity. These friendships blow up just as problems surface at home, leaving Charlotte feeling lost and alone, save for a quirky neighbor boy. Charlotte's voice is honest and relatable, and while readers may be frustrated with the treatment she tolerates from Neal, her ultimate self-acceptance is gratifying. Ages 13âup.

April 1, 2011

A solid debut captures the social maelstrom that is high school. Charlotte, 17, lands in an awful public high school when her family moves to the Pacific Northwest. Worse, instead of going into its accelerated program, she's placed in low-level classes instead, because of a math disability. Unable to make friends, she watches a rebellious, wealthy girl with flaming hair who's been kicked out of all the best schools yet aces her advanced classes with no effort. Charlotte becomes a regular sidekick to Amanda, the "girl wonder," gaining entry into high-school society. Charlotte also can't resist Neal, the hunky leader of the debate club, and signs up for the team even though she learns that she's terrible at public speaking. Spectacular debater Amanda joins too, and it becomes clear that she and Neal have a past. As Charlotte becomes more involved with Neal, however, she worries that he won't commit. If Charlotte can't keep up with the debate team and doesn't trust her new friends, can she live without a social life? And why should she even try for college? Martin keeps readers involved with her distinctive, colorful and believable characters and by placing Charlotte in a fractured but realistic family life. The prose moves along nicely, mixing Charlotte's introspection with active scenes. Amanda may be wonderful, but Charlotte is the one who shines. Insightful—and entertaining too. (Fiction. 14 & up)

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November 1, 2011

Gr 9 Up-Charlotte Locke's life can't get much worse: she has to move and leave her best friend, and her learning disability (dyscalculia) prevents her from being accepted into her younger brother's exclusive school or the Gifted and Talented Education program at her new school. Shocked to find herself in a rundown public school with a rough and largely apathetic student body, she reluctantly attaches herself to Mimi, the only student who befriends her, yet dismisses her when she strikes up a friendship with outrageous Amanda, a brilliant and intimidating GATE student. Charlotte also catches the eye of Neal, an attractive GATE student. After they have sex, he insists that they keep their relationship a secret, while his friendship with Amanda increasingly worries Charlotte. Neal and Amanda encourage her to smoke cigarettes and take drugs, which lead to permanent rifts in their relationships. The wide divide between the GATE kids and the general track students is truthfully portrayed. Charlotte's relationships with Neal, Amanda, and her family are realistic and understandable, yet the plot breaks credulity toward the latter part of the novel. Although uneven in parts, this story will pique the interest of teens looking for a quick and somewhat gritty read.-Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

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