Charlotte Cuts It Out

January 15, 2016
A controlling teen grows up. One might think the title of Barson's second teen novel (45 Pounds (More or Less), 2013) refers to hair or fabric, but what's really in need of modification here is narrator/protagonist Charlotte Pringle's behavior. Set in a monochromatic middle America, this classic tale of individuation centers on driven Charlotte's understanding of herself, particularly in relation to her best friend, Lydia, and to her mother. Now high school juniors, in eighth grade, Charlotte and Lydia formed their "Grand Plan" to go to cosmetology school and then open a salon together. Though Charlotte's mother "considers a hairdresser someone you hire, not something you become," Charlotte follows her heart and her talents, determined, with Lydia's help, to nab scholarship money to further her career. Charlotte's career trajectory gets tested mightily when Lydia starts acting strangely, forcing Charlotte to wonder how she could have been so naive as to think her life could be under her control and to face some unpleasant truths about herself. While Barton's plot-driven narrative involves rather predictable twists--besties on the rocks over some cad, a mother-daughter contest of wills, public humiliation, even a birth amid stormy weather--it still offers important lessons in self-realization and collaboration. An engaging if somewhat heavy-handed exploration of the need for a personal makeover on all levels. (Fiction. 12-18)

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April 1, 2016

Gr 8 Up-High school junior Charlotte Pringle wants desperately to win the Style Showcase in her cosmetology arts program with her best friend Lydia. Charlotte has a grand plan for them both to attend junior college and then to open a successful salon, scoring hot boyfriends along the way. However, her grand plan is fantastically derailed when Lydia defects to the culinary arts program, the boy she is chasing turns out to be the boy her best friend is dating, and her overbearing personality drives half her team for the showcase to jump ship. Pushy, self-centered Charlotte must learn to see herself and change or else risk losing all the things she cares about. Readers will admire the hero's gumption, grit, and moments of genuine kindness; however, they may also be frustrated by her tendency to talk over others, micromanage situations, and generally act bullheaded. To use Charlotte's pet phrase, "Oh my lanta," this character is difficult to love. Readers will relate to the familiar teen problems of coping with family relationships, choosing a college, and working out friend drama. Yet the setting of an alternative high school makes these familiar conflicts seem unique. The upbeat, smooth-talking dialogue peppered with light swearing moves the story along at a brisk pace. VERDICT Great for readers interested in fashion and cosmetology; an additional purchase otherwise.-Mariah Manley, Salt Lake City Public Library

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