Publishers Weekly
08/04/2014
In a story about loss, sensationalism, and the double-edged sword of fame, pretty, popular Torrey has "cultivated a loyal following" by posting beauty tips and "haul videos" (showing off recent purchases) online as Beautystarz15. After a drunk driver kills her younger sister, Torrey's views surge into the millions, even though she hasn't uploaded a video since the tragedy. Moving with her parents from Colorado to Texas, Torrey tries to retain her social status but is plagued by nightmares and insensitive online comments, especially after a video leaks, showing her fighting with her sister the day of the accident. When Torrey meets handsome Luis, the outcast son of a funeral home owner, they form a close and candid bond that will never fly with the popular girls at her new school. She also must decide how to handle her return to being Beautystarz15 and grapple with her grief both personally and publically. While Cooner (Skinny) builds Torrey's emotional life skillfully and tackles complex moral questions, the ideas she introduces are not explored in enough depth to make Torrey's transformation entirely believable. Ages 12–up. Agent: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Can't Look Away"Sad, wise, and true ... unforgettable." — Melissa de la Cruz, New York Times bestselling author of Blue Bloods and Witches of East End"From start to finish, I couldn't look away from Donna Cooner's honest, at times heartbreaking, yet hopeful story about the bonds of sisterhood and the challenges of starting over." — Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Better Off Friends"Cooner explores the dark side of popularity ... insightful and absorbing." — Kirkus Reviews"Poignant [and] authentic." — School Library JournalPraise for Skinny"Resounding . . . with wit, compassion, and courage, Skinny will speak to everyone who has ever felt invisible or unlovable." — Kathi Appelt, New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Newbery Honor"The best — and truest — depiction of the joys and pangs of transformation I've ever read. Deeply moving, totally addictive, utterly fabulous." — New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle"At a time when many teens are struggling with personal obesity, overweight, and the definition of beauty, public and school libraries should not hesitate to include this . . . in their collection." — VOYA
Kirkus Reviews
2014-06-10
Cooner explores the dark side of popularity.Sixteen-year-old Torrey has become slightly famous with her fashion video blog, winning a large following on YouTube. However, she’s haunted by guilt over the death of her little sister, Miranda, killed by a drunken driver as the girl walked away from Torrey after a fight. With the family’s abrupt move from Colorado to Texas, Torrey faces the challenge of becoming popular in a new school. She quickly identifies the queen bee of the school, Blair, and thanks to her fashion sense, scores a seat at the popular table. However, she also finds herself attracted to Luis, whom she quickly learns Blair deems unacceptable. Torrey tries to conceal her growing relationship with Luis and continues to deal with her own guilt over her sister. Worse, Torrey begins to appreciate her dorky cousin, Raylene, a girl who appears to be oblivious to the social rankings in their high school. Finally Torrey faces a serious question: Just how important is popularity if it means hurting people she likes? Cooner demonstrates solid knowledge of the high school social system, both characters and their motivations ringing true. The story allows readers to reach their own conclusions about the moral choices Torrey confronts without shoving the right decision down their throats.Insightful and absorbing. (Fiction. 12-18)
