Comedy Girl

September 13, 2004
Trixie Shapiro fantasizes about being a stand-up comic, but she is shy (for her drama class final, a performance in front of the whole school, she blanks and only manages one joke). During her senior year, she begins building confidence—and polishing her skills—performing at a local comedy club. There, she also attracts the attention of crush Gavin Baldwin, who has "coolness oozing like steam from a sizzling fajita"; as her fame grows, so does her popularity. At times, the story line stretches credibility: Trixie's opportunity to perform in Las Vegas with one of her heroes seems a bit far-fetched, and another plot point about her best friend's sudden obsession with popularity goes nowhere. But Schreiber's (Teenage Mermaid
) portrayal of Trixie's funny personality comes through with an authentic comedic flare, and her struggles feel realistic. Not only is she wiped out from her late-night performing, but her mother wants her to focus on school and college, and Gavin asks her to choose between him and comedy ("The relationship was about you worshipping Gavin. Now Gavin has to worship you," her best friend tells her). Overall, Trixie will keep her audience amused, even as she teaches something about the cost—and rewards—of pursuing a dream. Ages 12-up.

September 1, 2004
Gr 6-9-Trixie Shapiro is a funny but shy Chicago teen who secretly longs to do stand-up comedy. Through a series of fortuitous events, she gets a shot at stardom. She also fulfills a dream of dating her longtime crush, Gavin Baldwin. But two dreams may be too much to carry. Trixie must choose to follow her ambition or follow her heart. Comedy Girl is by turns funny, romantic, serious, realistic, and fanciful. However, the plot has very little forward momentum and readers don't learn of the inner lives of any of the characters except Trixie. The worlds of comedy clubs and show business are romanticized and more than a little sanitized, but, if not totally believable, this is just the sort of light, bubbly coming-of-age novel that may appeal to young teens. Libraries with tight budgets may want to wait for the paperback.-Amy Patrick, New York Public Library

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.