By the Book

Gr 9 Up–Moving to a public high school from a small charter program for her sophomore year has complicated Mary Porter-Malcolm’s life in countless ways. On the first day, Mary’s best friend abandons her, a boy who knows her acts like she’s a stranger, and she is sure that she will spend the year in social exile. However, she is immediately embraced by a smart and supportive group of girls who find her love of classic literature to be wise and endearing. Based on the literary lessons provided by Mary’s extensive reading, the girls embark on a plan of self-improvement which includes avoiding boys on their list in the “Scoundrel Survival Guide.” The prime member of that group, Alex, continues to pop up in Mary’s daily sphere. She is certain he is trying to woo her more beautiful friend, Terry. But his taboo status is jeopardized when his true intentions are revealed. The main and secondary characters are authentic, witty, and compelling. The plot moves along at a readable pace, though readers may become doubtful of Mary’s prolonged naivety regarding the nature of her friendships. Readers without a love or familiarity with classic literature may find the numerous literary references heavy-handed at times, but those with even minimal curiosity will revel in the clever insight.