How to Be Popular

Cabot, Meg. How to Be Popular. 2006. 288p. ISBN 978-0-06-088012-5. Available at FIC CAB on the library shelves.

Stephanie Landry has always wanted to be part of the popular crowd. But when she spilled a cherry flavored Super Big Gulp on popular girl Lauren Moffat’s white dress in fifth grade, she instantly became a social pariah. Everyone in Greene County, Indiana, is familiar with the expression “Way to pull a Steph Landry,” which is used to denote someone’s social death. For example, a boy throws a basketball that rebounds and hits the star quarterback in the face, causing a bloody nose. That boy just pulled a Steph Landry.

Now sixteen and a junior at Bloomville High School, Steph is keen on escaping her own legacy and rejoin the ranks of the socially acceptable teens. She plans on accomplishing this by following the advice she discovered in a book at her friend Jason’s grandmother, appropriately titled “How to Become Popular.” Speaking of Jason, Steph’s best friend has gotten hot over the last year, and Steph really enjoys spying on him (they are next door neighbors) through his shadeless window. Steph’s grandfather is about to marry Jason’s grandmother, so the two of them will become related by marriage.

Steph’s plan is devastatingly simple. She has a great idea to help the seniors fundraise. Senior Mark Finley, the star quarterback, is sure to appreciate her help. She then plans to undermine Lauren Moffat’s incessant and relentless attacks on her by endearing herself to the rest of the class. But her trip up the social ladder leaves Jason and her friend Becca puzzled at Steph’s behavior. Is it so bad to want to escape one’s legacy? What Steph did not count on, however, is that climbing the high school social ladder is hard, but staying at the top is even harder.

Fans of Jessica Darling’s adventures will appreciate Stephanie’s attempts at becoming popular.