If Devon Delaney’s mom is right about karma coming back to bite you, then Devon knows she’s in big trouble. Devon isn’t unlike most kids her age. She’s not aloud to wear makeup; she isn’t part of the popular crowd, but she does have a great best friend, and she’s got a crush on the most popular boy in school–Jared Bentley. The problem is, he doesn’t know she’s alive.
When Devon gets sent to live with her grandma for the summer, while her parents work out their “issues,” she befriends a girl named Lexi. Caught up in the whole “summer excitement,” Devon decides to change her image. She uses her parents’ money to buy a new stylish wardrobe, and she starts wearing makeup. Devon tells Lexi she’s part of the popular crowd—the super popular crowd. And she gushes about her super amazing boyfriend, Jared Bentley—only it’s all a lie.
Then, Devon returns home to her life and to her best friend Mel, who knows nothing about her parents’ “issues,” her friend Lexi, or her popularity tales. Content that her parents are working things out, Devon starts the school year, putting the summer behind her—that is, until Lexi shows up in her classroom.
Suddenly, Devon comes face to face with her lies. Opting out of telling the truth, her life spirals into uncontrollable chaos. Lexi befriends the super-popular crowd; the one Devon claimed to be part of. But then Jared starts crushing on Lexi. Then Devon starts crushing on Jared’s best friend, Luke. Soon, the charade of deceit catches up with Devon, and her lies are exposed. Will she lose everything—her new popular status, the boy she likes, and even her best friend?
Lauren Barnholdt portrays the trials of adolescent life impeccably. After all, who hasn’t been Devon, in the midst of an identity crisis? Who hasn’t struggled with the inner desire to be popular, even if it means hurting those we love? And who hasn’t been Mel, the faithful friend, who feels and gets betrayed? Readers of all ages will find themselves somewhere within this book. Rarely does an author capture the true essence and voice of young lives with such spot-on accurateness. The plot is clever, heartfelt, and witty. The narrative is honestly written, complete with realistic ups and downs, and a satisfying conclusion. This book is a must-read for girls everywhere, young and old.
*Look for this book when it comes out in April from Aladdin Paperbacks. ISBN-10: 1-4169-3503-7