The Queen of Cool - Book Review

The Queen of Cool
by Cecil Castellucci

What is it about:
On the outside, Libby Brin is the most popular girl in school. She has the coolest friends, the hottest boyfriend, the trendiest clothes, and the hippest parents. But on the inside, Libby is dying - of boredom.

In a moment of desperation, Libby signs up for an internship at the L.A. Zoo, much to the dismay of her friends, who'd prefer she spend her time with them, shopping, partying, and making fun of everyone else. To Libby, the zoo gig seems like something, anything, different to do, even if it means she has to work with two nerds - Tina (aka "Tiny"), a little person and aspiring actress, and Sheldon, an introverted boy with a brilliant, inquiring mind.

But what happens when Libby realizes she actually enjoys working at the zoo and may even like Tina and Sheldon? Will the QUEEN OF COOL be forced to give up her crown?

What did I think of it:
After reading Tin Star and Boy Proof, I wanted more, so I picked up The Queen of Cool.

Just as Boy Proof, this story is about finding out who you are and where you belong. But instead of Libby being someone on the outside, trying to fit in, she is part of the popular crowd. I found it refreshing to read how a teen who outwardly seems to have it all, is so full of questions and doubts.

I loved reading how Libby starts to realize that popularity isn't everything, and that the important thing is to be who you are, not who people want you to be.

Having never been part of the popular crowd myself, I didn't connect with Libby as much as I did with Egg in Boy Proof, but still I loved this book, and finished it in one afternoon.

I will most certainly get my trotters on even more books from Castellucci.

Why should you read it:
It's a great Young Adult read.