Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker: Girl vs. Superstar
Grade 5–7—Lucy B. Parker, 12, is having a difficult time. Her best friend dumps her, she still hasn't gotten her period, and her mom insists that she wear a bra. Just when things can't get any worse, her mom announces that she's going to marry the father of Laurel Moses, a TV-music-movie star (think Hannah Montana) who happens to hate Lucy's guts. That makes Lucy nothing but the less-pretty, less-talented stepsister of the most famous girl in the world. Gradually Lucy discovers that being a superstar isn't as glamorous and validating as she'd imagined. Palmer does a great job of showing the glitter of stardom as well as the downsides of fame. In the end, the girls learn that being friends and having family you can count on is worth more than any amount of celebrity. It's gratifying that Lucy and Laurel both experience significant attitude changes while also retaining the core of their personalities. Readers will relate to the lessons learned, but they aren't preachy or in-your-face. The writing is easy to follow, and this book will definitely be enjoyed by preteens who long for Laurel's glamorous life, while also appreciating with Lucy's stable home.—Wendy E. Dunn, Fort Worth Public Library, TX(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.