Nerd Girls: A Catastrophe of Nerdish Proportions

Gr 6–8—Maureen, Beanpole, and Q are back (Hyperion, 2012), and not much has changed since the first book in the series. Beanpole is still an eternal optimist, Maureen still spends countless hours worrying about her body, and Q is still allergic to everything. And, their archenemies, the ThreePees—Kiki, Brittany, and Sophie—are still causing trouble. The book opens with the three mean girls tricking the nerds into meeting them in the art room, where they lock them in, glitter bomb them, and film the whole thing for YouTube. This time, the school principal has had enough. In order to avoid a punishment of epic proportions, the six girls must compete in an Academic Septathalon against Kiki's cheerleading camp nemesis, Winston, and her five returning champion teammates. This installment is a hoot. Girls will relate to Maureen and her crew as they make their way through the torturous middle school years. Angela Rogers's narration is spot-on, capturing the tone and self-deprecation of tween girls. An excellent selection.—Jennifer Furuyama, Pendleton Public Library, OR