Watch Out, Hollywood!: More Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child
Engaging sequel explores ambition, cyberbullying.
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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 Maria T. Lennon's Watch Out, Hollywood!: More Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child, the sequel to Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child, explores middle school mean girl mentality and underhandedness as well as cyberbullying. It can be a tough read emotionally for some but could help girls better deal with the behavior. Main character Charlie is interested in trying out for a television show, and she's repeatedly teased by other kids about her body, which is not perfect. Although the agents, photographers, and television people admire her "moxie" for being comfortable with her shape. It's a refreshing positive-body-image message to find in a book about middle school.
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What's the Story?
Charlie is famous! After the whole terror in the tunnel rescuing her best friend, she's getting a lot of attention from Hollywood -- and she loves it. When she has the opportunity to shoot her own show, she's excited and apprehensive because the producers also are interested in her best friend. Charlie tells a little white lie that leads to a whole lot of trouble -- including boy trouble, mean girl trouble, and creating a monster. Will she be able to sort it out in time, or are her Hollywood dreams toast?
Is It Any Good?
Maria T. Lennon does a great job keeping readers interested, cringing, and yelling all at the same time. WATCH OUT, HOLLYWOOD!: MORE CONFESSIONS OF A SO-CALLED MIDDLE CHILD picks up where the first book left off, and, although it's not as dense with emotions and discovery as the first book, it is still one heck of a ride.
Charlie is as likable and frustrating as before, but in this book she seems to lose a bit of herself along the way. Fans of Charlie and her family will enjoy this latest installment, even if though it lacks the depth of the first novel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about mean girl behavior. Why do some girls thrive on putting down others?
Families also can talk about social media use and cyberbullying. Do you know what to do if you're being cyberbullied? Is there a school policy or a trusted adult you know you can go to?
Charlie lets ambition cloud her judgment, and it costs her big time. How do you keep things such as competition in perspective?
Book Details
- Author: Maria T. Lennon
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date: August 26, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 224
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
-
Confessions of a So-Called Middle Child
Charming, realistic take on middle school popularity race.
-
Middle School: Get Me Out of Here! Middle School, Book 2
Real middle school issues mix with lots of humor.
-
Letters to a Bullied Girl: Messages of Healing and Hope
Heartfelt letters to cyberbullied teen inspire compassion.
For kids who love boosk about middle school and bullying
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