The It Girl

Book review by Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media
The It Girl Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Same bad-girl 'tude in Gossip Girl spinoff.

Cecily von Ziegesar Coming of Age 2006
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 8 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 49 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this spinoff of the Gossip Girl series has many of the same controversial elements as her first series. Characters are materialistic and manipulative, and they drink, smoke pot, swear, and engage in some sexual acts (there's even a relationship between a student and a teacher).

Community Reviews

Popcorn1111
Popcorn1111 Adult
January 21, 2011
age 15+

Don't worry

It's a very suspending book that any teen would enjoy, sure parents are worried about the language but that doesn't mean your child will use it. My child hates reading, she only reads the series because she finds it funny and interesting (to tell you the truth so do I!) so for you worried parents, give this book a second chance.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Educational value
Great role models
CommonSenseParent
CommonSenseParent Adult
November 24, 2010
age 11+

Great read for middle school (6th grade) and up

My 11-year-old sixth-grader and I have read and loved this. A lot of her peers are now venturing into young adult books, and they all realize that this is gulity pleasure fiction and not to be taken seriously. You should definitely read the whole series. A+

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Jenny Humphrey is back and she's going to boarding school. When this character from the Gossip Girl series heads to an exclusive co-ed institution in upstate New York, she immediately lands both in the room of the school's most popular pair -- and in a world of trouble. Rumors follow her, and when she gets trapped in a late-night scandal, she could be expelled. Meanwhile her roommates have their own struggles: Callie tries to navigate her troubled relationship, and Brett gets involved with a young, rich faculty member. And of course there's the requisite flirting, bribing, partying, and pranking rounding this novel out.

Is It Any Good?

Say what you will about the Gossip Girl books: They're pretty trashy, but at least they're fun. This first installment of a spin-off series recycles the same material, only it's set in a new location, and -- believe it or not -- lacks the depth.

Some teens may get sucked in by the labels, the parties, the romance -- including the disturbing romance between Brett and the Disciplinary Committee advisor (he whisks her away to his family's mansion -- in an airplane! -- serves her wine and asks her to tell him all about herself). But this book doesn't have much to offer.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the publisher created a spin-off series. What does it mean that the book was created by Cecily von Ziegesar -- not written by her? They also may want to talk to their kids about the number of brand names mentioned here. The cover model's clothes are even advertised on the inside flap. Are you supposed to envy these rich kids enough to want to be like them -- even dress like them?

Book Details

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