For Real

Gr 9 Up—Eighteen-year-old Claire has always lived in the shadow of her outgoing and popular older sister, Miranda. Studying and watching reality TV has been an escape from actual reality for the cripplingly shy protagonist. So when Miranda discovers her boyfriend cheating on her, Claire comes up with a revenge plan that involves the two sisters beating him in an Amazing Race-type show. Of course, reality TV is not exactly what Claire expected once she's on the other side of the cameras. Her hopes for a summer of bonding with her sister seems destined for failure when she finds herself embroiled in an onscreen romance. Though at first the premise seems a bit silly, Cherry pulls off a deep, enjoyable narrative. Readers share Claire's coming into her own, through her experiences in the race and her relationship with her sister. She learns a lot about other people and discovers her own bravery. Though the experience is very different from the teen's initial expectations, her goals of revenge and sisterly unity are achieved with fun and flair once she discovers for herself what's For Real. With just enough romance and drama to please, this novel will find a wide audience.—Genevieve Feldman, San Francisco Public Library