Make Something of It

August 4, 2014
The five daughters of a former NFL player reluctantly step into a brighter spotlight when their father runs for mayor of Charlotte, N.C., in this inaugural title in Moore’s Sharp Sisters series, written at a fourth-grade level. Seventeen-year-old aspiring fashion designer Shelby turns the glare of attention into a positive when she takes a stand against domestic violence, asking her father to add the issue to his platform,
after she witnesses incidents in her school, on the campaign trail, and working with her fashion mentor. Subplots about a budding romance and Shelby’s success with her first accessory design round out this first volume, and Moore peppers her text with just enough intriguing details to lay groundwork for the four successive titles, each told from a different sister’s point of view and available simultaneously. Ages 11–18.

October 1, 2014
Grades 8-11 The eldest of five wealthy daughters, Shelby Sharp is a force to be reckoned with. When her father's bid for mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, thrusts her into the spotlight, Shelby uses the opportunity to launch her career as a fashion designer. A stylish new friend hooks her up with a mentor, but when Shelby witnesses a violent exchange at the design studio, she realizes her father could use his campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence. The first book in this new high/low series features appealing characters, budding romance, and enough drama to keep pages turning. The challenges of teen life are balanced nicely with broader social issues, but somewhat-dated language and an unfortunate caricature of a gay teen detract from an otherwise compelling story. Although Moore deserves applause for shedding light on different manifestations of domestic violence, all three plotlines featuring abuse victims resolve easily enough that they lose some impact. Still, readers will be taken with Shelby's privileged life and anticipate hearing her sisters' stories in forthcoming volumes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)