Belles

Gr 8–11—Isabelle, 15, is a focused, mature teen cared for by her ailing grandmother. Her mother was killed in a car accident and she knows nothing about her father. Izzie loves everything about Harborside Beach, NC—working as a lifeguard; her friends and familiar places on the boardwalk; the swim team; her new surfer friend, Brayden; and the support of her community. When her grandmother's health fails, she is sent to live with a long-lost relative and his daughter, Mirabell. Mira's world of private school and designer dresses is turned topsy-turvy when Izzie does not fit into or understand the glamorous world of Emerald Cove. Overshadowing the girls' dilemma are the constant demands of political correctness required as Mira's father runs for United States Senator and Mira's devotion to her best friend, Savannah, who is apparently the school's queen bee. Using believable teen vernacular and situations characteristic of the wealthy, Calonita paints a picture of the materialistic values that divide the haves and have nots. Izzie continually doubts her ability to ever adapt and Mira begins to nourish her true self, which she has always hidden for fear of being ostracized by the all-important and powerful Savannah. Peripheral characters contribute to the push-and-pull of the easy path versus the one that will require courage. It turns out that Brayden never told Izzie that he is from Emerald Cove and, worse, she finds out he is Savannah's boyfriend. When Savannah persecutes Izzie, he, too, will have to make a choice. There are many twists and turns to keep the story interesting and to keep readers hoping that these teens will follow their true desire to grow into kinder, nicer, more substantive people.—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY