Perfect Girl

August 1, 2007
Gr 6-9- -Adolescence has hit 14-year-old Ruthie Bayer particularly hard in this novel by Mary Hogan (HarperTeen, 2004). Her former best friend Perry is now the love of her life. The problem is that Perry has no clue about Ruthie's infatuation and she has no idea how to let him know. She can't go to her anxiety-ridden mom for advice, and she has no father. When a new girl who is perfect in every way enrolls in school, Ruthie decides she has to do something. Luckily, Ruthie has her Aunt Marty, New York's romance columnist, who can be counted on for some fine advice. But Ruthie discovers that even the "Goddess of Love" isn't as together as she appears. After a surprising and touching denouement, Ruthie understands that she is already the "perfect girl." Ann Marie Lee does a fine job of capturing the roller-coaster ride of teen angst and disdain. She excels at differentiating between characters without over-acting, and listeners teens will appreciate how she develops Ruthie's character would sounding condescending. Mary Hogan has given teenagers an "every girl" story that will have wide appeal.-Alison Kastner, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

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