REVIEW: Queen of Teen (various authors), Piccadilly Press

Review by Amber.

'Short stories from the fabulous finalists of the Queen of Teen award, selected by you - their readers and their fans. An irresistible chance to read something new by your all-time favourite author - or to discover an amazing writer you've been missing up to now!'

There are nine short stories in this amazing, shiny pink book;  in order they are Cathy Cassidy, Jacqueline Wilson, Louise Rennison, Cathy Hopkins, Meg Cabot, Karen McCombie, Lisa Clark, Joanna Nadin and Sarra Manning.

Sink Or Swim - Cathy Cassidy:

I really, really loved this story! It's about a shy, quiet girl called Millie who gets chosen to do work experience for a famous fashion photographer Bella Marlow. Nasty girl Courtney Taylor gets chosen to work in a thermal underwear factory (this bit made me laugh!). The ending is really funny, and I can actually relate to Millie a lot (although not about working for a famous photographer obviously!) I was sad when the story ended, but overall this story gets a rating of 5/5!

Problems - Jacqueline Wilson:

This short story is about a girl called Nicola who has to look after her Mum all by herself because her Mum is seriously ill and won't get better - to make it worse, Nicola's Dad left for another woman. Nicola has a crush on a boy called Damian, and eventually he calls her and offers to help her when she goes shopping for her Mum (her Mum can't do it herself.) which I think was really nice. This story is really sad and it made me think about how hard it must be for young carers.  I have no complaints at all about this story! This gets a rating from me of 4/5.

Big Red Bottomosity - Louise Rennison:

I expected this short story to be funny and it didn't disappoint - it was absolutely hilarious!! I love Louise Rennison's books, I wish this short story had been longer because I really didn't want it to end. Loved it! My rating? Definitely 5/5! I totally recommend this.

Mum Never Did Learn To Knock - Cathy Hopkins:

This story was sad and heartbreaking. Cathy did a really good job of getting the emotions of all the characters. It's about a girl called Emily, and her Mum has just died, but it hasn't really sunk in yet. Emily still talks to her, and eventually she starts seeing her. Her 'Ghost-Mum' sits at the back of lessons, making Emily giggle. People start to think she's gone a bit mad so she goes to see a counsellor... I loved this story - it gets a 5/5 from me!

Digger Number 5 - Meg Cabot:

This story was very imaginative and I liked the storyline a lot, but sometimes it got a little confusing. The characters were realistic and I really liked the ending - it was so good and dramatic! - so this story gets...4/5 from me.

B.L.D - Karen McCombie:

B.L.D stands for Before Lulu Died. Lulu is Sorcha's Best Friend. Or she used to be - before she died. Sorcha is really sad and it's a really sad story. Lulu died by having a really dangerous asthma attack; before her parents can call an ambulance she's gone - dead. The bit where Sorcha goes down to Camden Market where she and Lulu used to hang out is heartbreaking because all these memories come rushing back. I really liked this story - a definite 5/5.

How To Be A Star - Lisa Clark:

Nikki Star is popular, pretty, funny, nice and, well, perfect. Her younger sister Louise isn't popular at all and is usually ignored. Louise Star doesn't feel she's a proper star at all, that she can't live up to her last name like her older sister. So when her sister and her parents are away, Louise hosts a big party at her house to try and become popular. I bet you're thinking, 'I bet it turned out to be a mess,' but actually some good came out of it too. Loved this book! Another 5/5.

A Life Less Ordinary (Rachel Riley Almost Reinvents Herself) - Joanna Nadin:

This short story was quite funny although I found some of it a bit confusing. I liked the way the story was set out in a diary format - it made it more fun to read. The characters were really cool and I like the title! Overall this story gets a 3/5 from me.

Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others - Sarra Manning:

I loved this story - it is one of my favourites from the whole book. It is about two girls who are working in an Icecream Shop for the Summer. I love the story line, I love the characters - in fact, it was one of the best stories I've ever read! I definitely recommend you read it, you will not regret it!! My rating? 5/5!!

So, overall this book is absolutely amazing and if you buy it, it's a win-win situation. You get to read nine fabulous stories and at the same time you're helping a brilliant charity!

I really did love this book, I'll definitely be re-reading it some time!

Review by Amber, aged 11

Nominate your Queen of Teen here. (Nominations close 14th June 2010.)

Info about Kids Company, the charity supported by this book

Comments

[Amber]

Thank you for sending me this book, Luisa!! I LOVED IT! :)

[Luisa]

You're welcome, Amber - thanks for the brilliant review! I'm still reading my copy and really enjoying it.

I read the Joanna Nadin story last night - it had me in stitches!

[Sophie]

Great review, Amber! I think I might get this just for Sarra Manning and Louise Rennison's stories. I love those two!

[Ria]

I so want to read this! You lucky person!

[Carly]

Awww this one sounds great! Must get my hands on a copy soon! Thanks for the fab review hun :) x

[Anna]

i really want to read this, but i have a massive pile of books to read. i still haven't got to yours luisa. my library books come first i'm afraid. i just finished a book i'd like to review for you, do i type it into a word doc or straight into email?
thanks xxx

[TheBookHour]

Hey, did Meg's story link in with any of her series? Who were the main characters? Thanks!

[Luisa]

Thanks for all the great comments.

Anna, did I reply to you by email? I know I meant to! Yes, please email it, and either paste it into an email or attach it as a Word doc. Thank you!

Sophie, the Sarra Manning story is just fantastic!

The Book Hour, Meg's story didn't link with any of her series as far as I can remember. The main characters are Helen Regis Whemple, Lauren Woodcrest, and Pamie.