Review: Playing the Field by Jannette Rallison

From Goodreads:

Thirteen-year old McKay is a talented baseball player, but as equally untalented when it comes to algebra. If he doesn't bring his grade up, his parents threaten to make him quit the team. His best friend Tony thinks the natural solution is for McKay to befriend Serena, a pretty girl in class, who also happens to get straight A's in algebra. Not only will that get McKay the tutor he desperately needs, but it will give Tony the chance to flirt with Serena's two best friends. Unfortunately, if McKay follows Tony's advice on how to "play the game," he might find himself in an even worse spot than when he was merely failing algebra. With a keen sense of wit, and more self-confidence than he gives himself credit for, McKay will keep readers alternately laughing and groaning as he is dragged kicking and screaming into the subtle (and often not so subtle) world of teen dating.

***

Although I love Janette Rallison, I was a little hesitant to read this book because it's ratings weren't as high as some of her other work.  However, I enjoyed it quite a bit. It is aimed at a younger audience and their eagerness/hesitance/nervousness to start dating.  


I loved the way Rallison handled the issue.  I felt like she accurately captured the essence of tween dating and the catastrophe it really is.  The bickering, the note passing, and the dirty looks are all just the tip of the iceberg.  


This was not my favorite book by any means, but it was entertaining, clean, and age appropriate.  It was a book that kids who are just starting to date can relate to and enjoy.  Bonus: it's only $0.99 for the e-book.


Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Paperback: 172 pages
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (September 1, 2004)
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Review: It's a Mall World After All by Janette Rallison

From Goodreads:
It's too bad they don't give out diplomas for what you learn at the mall, because I could graduate with honors in that subject.  No really.  Since I've worked there, I've become an expert on all things shopping-related. For example, I can tell you right off who to distrust at the mall:
 
1) Skinny people who work at Cinnabon.  I mean, if they're not eating the stuff they sell, how good can it be?

2) The salesladies at department store makeup counters.  No matter what they tell you, buying all that lip gloss will not make you look like the pouty models in the store posters.

3) And most importantly--my best friend's boyfriend, Bryant, who showed up at the food court with a mysterious blonde draped on his arm.

Yeah, I saw it, and yeah, I told my best friend all about it.

You would think this would mean trouble for Bryant, but you would basically be wrong.  Somehow, the evil boyfriend turned everything around, and now I'm the one who has to prove myself!  But I will. Even if Bryant--and more importantly his best friend, Colton--keep trying to stop me.

***

While this book wasn't anything spectacular, I still enjoyed reading it.  Janette Rallison has a way of enticing me to sit and pour over her stories for hours.  I finished this book in just a couple of sittings.  It was a light read, with plenty of romance and character development.  

I didn't find this story as funny as some of Rallison's other books, but it was an enjoyable escape from reality.  I didn't laugh out loud with this one, but I smiled plenty.  The main character, Charlotte is lovable and kind hearted.  She has wonderful intentions that don't always turn out the way she hopes, (in fact most of the time they don't), but it doesn't stop her from being loyal to her friends and to what she feels is right.  She overcomes some of her flaws and tries to improve herself.  It was a good, clean read that I was able to enjoy without ever feeling uncomfortable.  


Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Walker Childrens; Reprint edition (November 25, 2008)
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Review: Fame, Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List by Janette Rallison

From Goodreads:
A PC school principal turns West Side Story into a comedy of errors.
Sixteen year-old Jessica dreams of Hollywood fame, and when Jordan moves into her small town, she dreams of him too. He’s a movie star’s son, and hey, he’s gorgeous to boot. Jordan has always wanted to get out from the shadow cast by his superstar father, but now that he and his mother have moved so far away from LA, how can he get his divorced parents back together? Jessica convinces Jordan the way to get his father to come for a long visit is to be a part of the school play. And if she’s “discovered” in the process, all the better. Things go wrong when she lets Jordan’s secret identity slip, and grow even more disastrous when the principal tries to change West Side Story into a gangfree, violence-free, politically correct production.
In the same romantic and sharply witty spirit of Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws, Janette Rallison delivers another comic gem that teen readers are sure to love.

***

After reading so many sci-fi and paranormal books, I really wanted a break from so much end-of-life-as-we-know-it plots and go for something lighthearted and fun.  This was absolutely perfect.  It was a breath of fresh air, and I found myself laughing out loud several times.  

The last few chapters were absolutely hilarious and I was laughing so hard I had tears coming out of my eyes.  My husband kept sending odd looks in my direction and my kids tried peeking over my shoulder to see what I was laughing at.  

The main character, Jessica is lovable and funny.  She is a pretty girl that wants to be an actress, but has to learn a few lessons along the way.  Of course, she must learn these lessons in the funniest way possible.  The level of romance was perfect for the story and the age group it's intended for.


Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (August 11, 2005)
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