Crowned

March 1, 2009
Gr 7-10-It's good versus evil in the beauty pageant game, with good being represented by Presley Ashbury and evil by her archrival, wealthy Megan Leighton. After years of standing on stage near one another with fake smiles, spray-on tans, and hair extensions, Megan finally crosses the backstabbing line in her quest to be Miss Teen State. But Presley has even more at stake. As the daughter of a below-the-poverty-line single mother, she needs the scholarship money to attend college. And since academics aren't her forte, Presley must rely on her megawatt smile and dancing ability to win. This funny, behind-the-scenes novel will appeal to teens who enjoy reality shows such as "Dancing With the Stars" and "American Idol", or Miss America pageants. Linker has a sure touch with teen dialogue and it's clear that she knows her beauty pageants. This is a quick, enjoyable read for fans of Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (Little, Brown), and it has better-developed characters."Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY"

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