REVENGE OF THE SNOB SQUAD (Julie Anne Peters; Little Brown 1998)
What it's about (from Goodreads blurb):
Jenny is a candy addict. Lydia is a complete klutz, and a "know-it-all" shrink's daughter. Prairie has an artificial leg. And Max -- well, Max is in a class by herself. The four of them are forced into becoming a relay race team in gym, and call themselves the "Snob Squad" as a joke. Soon, to their surprise, they find they've become friends -- and band together against principal's daughter Ashley Krupps, who has been making their lives miserable since the beginning of the school year. Their hilarious revenge tactics -- and the story's underlying poignancy -- will have readers cheering for more.
Why I liked it:
I picked this up because of research for a novel idea, and immediately enjoyed the writer's voice and humor. The MC, Jenny Solano, has an engaging way with words and is a totally believable teen. Here's the beginning:
"If they gave out a World's Worst Whiner Award, Lydia Beals would get it. She was already an official member of the Mickey Mouth Club. Totally obnoxious. And a brown-noser to boot. Nobody at Montrose Middle School could stand Lydia Beals. Including me."
The "Snob Squad" starts out as a band of misfits who are wary of one another, but end up by having the "most improved time" in the relays. As Jenny says, they're no longer as "slow as Saskatchewan."
This is a quick and enjoyable read for ages 9 and up. There are two other titles in the series, which I would plan to read.
More About the Author:
Julie Anne Peters sounds as funny on her website as she does in her books. I also enjoyed this interview with her by Cynthia Leitich Smith.
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| Julie Anne Peters |
The title hooks me completely! It sounds like a fun read filled with humor. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for featuring this one - it sounds good! I always like to read funny books with good voice.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this. The little snippet you shared has great voice. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI also have not heard of this one. Voice and humor -- such a great combination.
ReplyDeleteVoice is so important. And humor always draws readers in.
ReplyDeleteLike the others, above, I've never heard of this! What's intriguing is that you chose this for research for one of your own novels. Hmmm...
This series still checks out in my library, although the newer covers are a GREAT improvement. Glad to see you are researching!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a girl book to me! But if I were a girl, I'm sure I'd dig it:) Good to see you back in action, sir.
ReplyDeleteAny book that stands out because of voice is a must read for me. I'm adding it to my list.
ReplyDeleteWe've swapped - I'm previewing books for boys this week. lol.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved this as a kid, being in my own band of misfits. Actually, I still feel like a mis-fit most of the time, but now I simply embrace it. :-)