Hot Girl

December 9, 2008
Verdict: Teen readers will relate to the smart, strong-willed protagonist, Kate. A foster child since she was a baby, Kate comes of age when she lands in a stable foster home (after 12 tries). Jordan's thoughtfully rendered characterizations and explanations for Kate's behavior are refreshingly authentic. This novel has the makings of a YA classic, and every YA collection should have a copy. Readers will hope for a sequel. Background: Fourteen-year-old Kate, who's living in Brooklyn, has a huge crush on her childhood friend, Charles. When her best friend goes to South Africa for the summer, Kate is left in the hood to fend for herself. She hangs out in the library, takes pictures with her foster father's digital camera, and works on her "life book." When Kate befriends a "hot girl," a wifey in the making named Naleejah, Kate's old demons begin to resurface. As Kate tries to deal with her feelings for Charles, Naleejah betrays her in the worst way. At summer's end, Kate reclaims her esteem and forgets her need to be a "hot girl."-Vanessa J. Irvin Morris, Drexel Univ., Philadelphia

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2009
Gr 8-10-Tired of bouncing from foster family to foster family, Kate, 14, is trying to make it in her new placement in Bed-Sty, Brooklyn. She's finally getting good grades and has a great friend in good-girl Felicia. When Felicia goes away for the summer, fly-girl Naleejah befriends Kate, winning her over by giving her a makeover and teaching her how to grab the attention of her longtime crush. But when Kate lies and goes to a house party on Long Island, she risks her newfound stability. Characterizations are strong, and voices realistic. There are some sexual situations and drug use, but Kate seems to have her head on straight. Through her, Jordan sends a message about doing the right thing, which sometimes seems a bit preachy. The outcome of Kate's story is positive, and those looking for soft street-lit titles will find the book appealing."Emily Anne Valente, New York Public Library"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.