How to Rock Braces and Glasses

Gr 6–8—Kacey Simon thinks nothing of dispensing unsolicited, often cruel advice to her peers. She doesn't even try to veil her contempt for those she considers socially inferior (everyone). Then the universe delivers the ultimate cosmic slap: an eye infection and a roller skating injury leave Kacey with chunky glasses, braces, and (gasp!) a lisp. Her social status plummets—her elite clique drops her, she loses the lead in the school musical, and her budding broadcast career seems over. Naturally, Kacey faults her altered appearance rather than her horrific attitude. Eventually, Kacey changes her tune—literally and figuratively—when she joins a band run by the quirky, blue-haired Zander. After much personal struggle, Kacey learns valuable lessons about humility, humanity, and acceptance. Meg Haston went a bit overboard in this novel (Little, Brown, 2011) by crafting a character so unlikable that listeners will find it difficult to sympathize with her. Kacey comes across as shallow, cruel, and seemingly devoid of redeeming qualities. This gives her attitude an "After School Special" feel. Yet, despite being predictable and not particularly deep, this is a fun story that carries an important message. Narrator Casey Holloway is excellent, giving Kacey a voice that is overly dramatic, angst-ridden, and occasionally tinged with a hint of Valley Girl lilt. She even nails her post-braces lisp. This story will find a home among fans of YA chick lit.—Alissa LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI