Synopses & Reviews
Top Five Things That Are Ruining Chloe's Day
5) Working the 6:30 a.m. shift at GoodFoods Market
4) Crashing a cart into a customer's car right in front of her snarky coworker Sammi
3) Trying to rock the "drowned rat" look after being caught in a snowstorm
2) Making zero progress with her crush, Tyson (see #3)
1) Being accused—along with her fellow teenage employees— of stealing upwards of $10,000
Chloe would rather be anywhere than locked in work jail (aka the break room) with five of her coworkers . . . even if one of them is Tyson. But if they can band together to clear their names, what looks like a total disaster might just make Chloe's list of Top Ten Best Moments.
Review
"It's Christmas Eve, and high schooler Chloe has to work all day at the local supermarket, along with a quirky assortment of cashiers, stockers, and baggers especially handsome Tyson, who she has a big crush on. Then the store manager discovers that someone has stolen nearly $10,000 from the Christmas charity box, and decides to hold all of the employees in the break room until the police arrive or someone confesses. These unusual circumstances lend themselves to weird conversations, supermarket games, romantic encounters, a diabetes scare for Chloe, and speculation on who is behind the theft. Czukas (Ask Again Later) gives Chloe the oft-seen penchant for making lists; many are funny 'Newborn giraffes' tops the list of 'Things That Are Less Awkward Than Getting Caught Riding Through the Store in a Shopping Cart in Front of Your (Angry) Boss' though their frequency occasionally frustrates the book's momentum. This aside, Chloe's narration is upbeat and entertaining, Czukas's characters are memorably eccentric, and the mystery about who stole the money pushes readers along in this sweet comedy. Ages 13 up. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency." Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review
“Charming, fun and insightful.” Kirkus Reviews
Review
“Chloes narration is upbeat and entertaining, Czukass characters are memorably eccentric, and the mystery about who stole the money pushes readers along in this sweet comedy.” Publishers Weekly
Review
“Czukas has delivered a winner. The characters are vivacious and interesting, the plot definitely stands out from current YA trends, and the down-to-earth humor will have readers rolling.” RT Book Reviews
Review
“A sweet blend of Nancy Drew and The Breakfast Club. Readers looking for a breezy read with a little romance, a little mystery, and a little holiday cheer will be more than satisfied.” ALA Booklist
Review
“Dear list-makers of the world: your new favorite book has arrived, and it is wonderful.” Christian Science Monitor
About the Author
Liz Czukas is a freelance writer living outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is also the author of Ask Again Later. She collects college degrees she doesn't use, types too loud, and always has a song stuck in her head.