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Powell's Q&A, Q&A | June 29, 2009

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The Queen of Cool

by Cecil Castellucci

The Queen of Cool Cover

ISBN13: 9780763627201
ISBN10: 0763627208
Condition: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

The author of Boy Proof is back with a funny, incisive look at a teenage girl whose reign of popularity comes at the price of ennui — until she dares to take off her tiara and do something truly cool with her life.

On the outside, Libby Brin is the most popular girl in school. She has the coolest friends, the hottest boyfriend, the trendiest clothes, and the hippest parents. But on the inside, Libby is dying — of boredom. In a moment of desperation, Libby signs up for an internship at the L.A. Zoo, much to the dismay of her friends, who'd prefer she spend her time with them, shopping, partying, and making fun of everyone else. To Libby, the zoo gig seems like something, anything, different to do, even if it means she has to work with two nerds — Tina (aka Tiny), a little person and aspiring actress, and Sheldon, an introverted boy with a brilliant, inquiring mind. But what happens when Libby realizes she actually enjoys working at the zoo and may even like Tina and Sheldon? Will the Queen of Cool be forced to give up her crown?

Review:

"Libby Brin, the Queen of Cool, is bored. 'Everything is "boring".' The 16-year-old finds no excitement in her classes or even her friends — beautiful Perla, whose 'every move results in a disco effect'; Mike Dutko, to whom Perla gives hand jobs in a school bathroom stall; unflappable Sid, who's in a band; and handsome Kenji, with whom Libby often plays 'kissy face' but also has 'an understanding.' To create some drama, she peels off her 'fabulous purple gown' at the Fall Formal, puts a paper bag over her head, and streaks (in her underwear) through the gym — then asks herself, 'What is wrong with me?' Her apathy sets the stage for cool Libby to do the unthinkable: she signs up for an internship at the Los Angeles Zoo. The brief, episodic chapters make it hard for readers to get to know any of the characters deeply — but perhaps that's the point. They aren't deep — except for 'Tiny' Carpentieri, a dwarf, and Tiny's friend, overweight Sheldon, who are also both interns at the zoo, and whose strong sense of self begin to affect Libby in positive ways. ('All this time I've thought I was an "It" girl. Really, I am the Without — "It" girl,' she realizes, as Perla moves in on Kenji.) The changes in Libby may not be as compelling as the subtle shifts in Egg, the heroine of Castellucci's debut Boy Proof, but readers may well enjoy watching Libby grow up, and hope for more from this promising author." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Review:

"Castellucci clearly knows what goes on in the lives of many teens." School Library Journal

Review:

"Relayed in Libby's lively, intimate voice, this story is a quick, engaging read about a selfish teen who discovers not only herself but also the difference between being part of a team and being part of a group." Booklist

Review:

"Though there's nothing revolutionary about Libby's transformation...her observations are sharp and convincing, whether she's studying elephants, chimpanzees, or that lower life form known as the popular crowd." Horn Book Magazine

Synopsis:

The author of "Boy Proof" returns with a funny, incisive look at a teenage girl who becomes bored with her popularity and dares to take off her tiara and do something really cool with her life.

About the Author

Cecil Castellucci is the author of the young adult novel Boy Proof. She is also a writer, filmmaker, actress, and singer-songwriter, and engages in many, many other creative pursuits. She says, "Sometimes I feel cool and other times I feel like the biggest loser ever. So I started wondering, what would happen if everything you always thought was cool was suddenly lame? What would happen to you, if you were all of a sudden uncool? And what exactly is 'cool,' anyway? This story came out of a desire to figure it all out."

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
xxcinyyxx, March 25, 2009 (view all comments by xxcinyyxx)
i would give this book a 100 out of 5 !! i used to hate reading books then my friend made me read this book again ..she bragged so i did i thought i would never enjoy this book but instead it was the best book i had ever read in my entire life =] i read his book within 3 days non stop...once i was supposed to be reading my text book but instead i was reading the book that's how much it was an addiction i actually found out my own personal brand of heroine is its reading this book QUEEN OF COOL IS AWESOME AND taught me a lot !!!!
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(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
Themia, July 29, 2007 (view all comments by Themia)
I love this book...im not a fan of reading but i couldnt put this book down...i liked how the chapters were short and enjoyable!!

I give this a 5 star :D
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(8 of 13 readers found this comment helpful)
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780763627201
Author:
Castellucci, Cecil
Publisher:
Candlewick Press (MA)
Subject:
Girls & Women
Subject:
Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General
Subject:
High schools
Subject:
Conduct of life
Subject:
Social Issues - General
Subject:
Schools
Edition Description:
Us
Publication Date:
February 2006
Binding:
Hardcover
Language:
English
Pages:
166
Dimensions:
8.00x6.08x.71 in. .65 lbs.
Age Level:
14-17

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