Puckers Up

October 1, 2012
The continuing, shambolic adventures of Rhode Island's rockingest trumpet-and-ukelele-based quintet finds plenty of sweet to balance out the sour (Lemonade Mouth, 2007). It's summer, and although each of the band's five members--Olivia, Charlie, Mo, Wen and Stella--have jobs, they compose and record new songs in their friend Lyle's garage studio. Their performance at Cranston's Chowder Fest attracts the attention of legendary agent Earl Decker, who tries to mold the group into a chart-topping indie phenom, paying for an expensive, moody photo shoot and studio time. He also secures them an audition on American Pop Sensation, where the gutsy teens stand up to the mean-spirited judges. When video of their judge-scolding incident--sure to inspire the many compulsive watchers of Simon Cowell to punch the air in solidarity--goes viral and combines with their philosophical objections to being Photoshopped in a sponsor's ad, Lemonade Mouth fires Earl in favor of remaining true to their convictions. The band's independent, quirky journey is conveyed through the diary entries, letters, transcribed interviews and screenplay excerpts that form the narrative--and that promise at least one more chapter in the band's imaginary history. Warmhearted and innocently wild, this stand-alone sequel will find appreciative fans among teen music obsessives and social activists. (Fiction. 12-15)

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December 1, 2012

Gr 6 Up-This sequel to Lemonade Mouth (Delacorte, 2007), which became a Disney television movie, reintroduces Olivia, Mo, Charlie, Stella, and Wen the summer before their sophomore year. Told in alternating voices by the band members, plus family, friends, fans, and others, the novel finds the five with a fantastic opportunity to contract with legendary music promoter Earl Decker. However, from the beginning, readers know that the road to stardom will be bumpy for the fun-loving bunch. In addition, all the members are dealing with personal issues: Olivia is trying to adjust to the fact that her long-estranged mother has made contact with her; Mo has an unwanted house guest from India; Wen's dad has quit his job to start a hot-dog business; Charlie is struggling with his personal philosophy; and Stella experiences a budding romance. One thing is for certain: with these teens, helping underdogs will continue to be their top priority. Because of the movie's popularity, this novel will appeal to established fans as well as tweens and teens looking for a lighthearted and easy read.-Melissa Stock, Arapahoe Library District, Englewood, CO

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