Runaway

Gr 7—10—The final volume (Scholastic, 2010) in Meg Cabot's Airhead trilogy wraps up the story of Em Watts, whose brain has been transplanted into America's top model and who, at the opening of the book, finds herself the prisoner of Brandon Stark, son of one of the world's wealthiest and most evil men. Those not familiar with the earlier books may have a hard time figuring out how Em happens to be in this situation and her relationship to some of the other characters. Cabot packs the book with lots of adventure and romance, including the return of Em's true love. While the ending seems a bit pat, fans of the series will be delighted that everyone seems to find happiness. Narrator Stina Nielsen easily moves Em from confusion to indignation to self assurance to self deprecation—a true teenager. And the emphasis on beauty comes across in many conversations. There is a seamless flow from one character's voice to another and all have been given their due, even Em's clueless mother.—Edith Ching, formerly Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC