#scandal
Gr 9 Up—Despite her reservations, Lucy Vacarro gives in to best friend Ellie's request that she stand in as Cole's prom date, while Ellie is at home sick. Though she'd rather be at home slaying zombies instead of in a poofy dress, Lucy spends a momentous night with Cole, whom she's been secretly in love with for years. The pair shares a few drunken kisses and the next day a picture of their faux pas is posted on Lucy's Facebook, along with photos of her classmates' indiscretions. Now persona non grata, the protagonist is pulled in for cyberbullying counseling and branded a homewrecker. She sets out to clear her name with the help of a quirky group of technophobes, her starlet sister, and the British import school newspaper editor. Preachy at times about the dangers of social media mismanagement and little heavy on the Veronica Mars jokes, this engrossing novel ties together important themes of friendship, celebrity worship, and slut-shaming. Teens will happily tag along as Lucy tries to uncover the identity of not only the true perpetrator, but also who's behind the Gossip Girl-type blogger who collects the high school's scandals. Primary and secondary characters are fully developed; however, readers may find the male lead a little underwhelming. The classic "I'm in love with my best friend's boyfriend" story with a 21st-century twist and lots of heart.—Shelley Diaz, School Library Journal