Pretty Is

June 4, 2007
Holmes's first novel addresses the stresses of starting middle school, family loyalty and the loneliness that results when friends begin to outgrow each other. Because of her older sister, Monica, 11-year-old Erin is apprehensive about the approach of sixth grade in the fall. Erin knows Monica is different-she wears "dorky clothes," likes knitting, is "kind of tomboyish" and (most horrifying to Erin) doesn't shave her legs. When Erin's friend Kayla begins cruelly poking fun her about Monica, Erin (a huge Lord of the Rings fan) wonders if she is doomed to become an outcast as well. Angered by Kayla's relentless teasing, Erin and another friend, Hannah, plan an act of revenge against Kayla and cut her long blonde hair. Monica tattles on Erin, putting additional strain on their already troubled relationship. While the two sisters attend Gilead Baptist Camp together, their stay is extended when their mother must undergo a hysterectomy, though even their mutual concern doesn't go far toward making them friends. Numerous additional subplots, both at camp and at home, showcase Erin's growth as a person. Holmes has created a heroine with plenty of growing up to do, but does little to flesh out her relationship with her sister. It's only after Monica becomes a star basketball player for the school team that Erin begins to embrace her sister's differences, which makes for a fairly hollow resolution. Ages 10-up.

July 1, 2007
Gr 4-6-Erin is finishing fifth grade and has the long days of summer to fill with no escape from her older sister, who knits, plays basketball, and doesn't shave her legs. Her ex-best friend, Kayla, teases her about her sister, and Erin worries about her popularity status once school starts because she is related to Monica. Although Erin's voice is authentic and the slow pacing may be intentional, her fears get tedious and the details of her revenge against Kayla seem contrived and uninteresting. Still, this first-time novelist writes beautifully, particularly when Erin fantasizes that she is Frodo from "The Lord of the Rings" and later when she realizes that she doesn't have to pretend anymore. Her growth is realistically depicted. At the happy conclusion, she has learned to accept Monica and has developed a self-reliance that will help her navigate through middle school. The title is provocative, the cover appealing, and the text may resonate with readers making the same transition from elementary school to middle school."Debbie S. Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 18, 2007
Holmes's first novel addresses the stresses of starting middle school, family loyalty and the loneliness that results when friends begin to outgrow each other. Because of her older sister, Monica, 11-year-old Erin is apprehensive about the approach of sixth grade in the fall. Erin knows Monica is different-she wears "dorky clothes," likes knitting, is "kind of tomboyish" and (most horrifying to Erin) doesn't shave her legs. When Erin's friend Kayla begins cruelly poking fun her about Monica, Erin (a huge Lord of the Rings fan) wonders if she is doomed to become an outcast as well. Angered by Kayla's relentless teasing, Erin and another friend, Hannah, plan an act of revenge against Kayla and cut her long blonde hair. Monica tattles on Erin, putting additional strain on their already troubled relationship. While the two sisters attend Gilead Baptist Camp together, their stay is extended when their mother must undergo a hysterectomy, though even their mutual concern doesn't go far toward making them friends. Numerous additional subplots, both at camp and at home, showcase Erin's growth as a person. Holmes has created a heroine with plenty of growing up to do, but does little to flesh out her relationship with her sister. It's only after Monica becomes a star basketball player for the school team that Erin begins to embrace her sister's differences, which makes for a fairly hollow resolution. Ages 10-up.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.