August 1, 2008
Gr 7 Up-Mallory's mother is a big-name soap-opera star. When Mallory comes up with an idea for a daytime soap aimed at teens that would deal with real-life situations, this pedigree helps her get a shot at creating and writing it. In the process, she learns to stand up for herself and to do what is righteven if it means facing tough consequences. A collaboration among three authorssoap-opera writer Chris Van Etten, David Ozanich, and David Levithan, who is known for sensitive portrayals of teens"Likely Story" occasionally has an uneven tone, as tender moments are blended with a realistic look at the soap-opera business. Still, Mallory comes across as a likable, regular teen despite growing up on television sets and having a mother as selfish and manipulative as any daytime-drama villain. Her snappy narrative is filled with a believable mix of self-doubt, scathing humor, and real emotion. The book never indulges in the glamour of the television lifestyle, but focuses on the story and characters. The novel ends abruptly with a cliff-hanger climax, leaving an opening for the next book in the series."Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK"
Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2008
Sixteen-year-old Mallory's mom is a major soap star. Mallory, tired of the unrealistic soap opera plots, uses her life for script fodder and lands her own show through her mother's agent (diva mom is not pleased). Strong-willed, quick-witted Mallory is a sympathetic heroine, and Van Etten engagingly weds melodrama to the more mundane, universal dramas of teenage life.
(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)