Weirdest

Gr 6–9—Veronica McGowan has one goal for her eighth-grade year—to become an "-est." She knows she can't compete for most of the spots: prettiest, richest, fastest, and funniest are already taken. But if Veronica can figure out a way to get into the Spring Formal Club to help with dance decorations, she might have a shot at artiest. Her obsession with becoming a part of the popular crowd becomes a problem when she realizes her emotions are manifesting in physical ways. When Veronica feels envious, she literally turns green. When she's thinking of her crush, she's surrounded by puffy cartoonish hearts. Unfortunately, Betsy, her biggest competition for artiest, is documenting these "stupidpowers" on film, which could destroy Veronica's rep for good. Then she receives a mysterious letter in the mail with a news article and photo from 12 years ago. It's her house, encased in ice in July. Could it be a message from Veronica's mom, who left when she was a baby? The plot is nothing new—girl neglects her real friend while attempting to be popular—but the twist of her visible emotions gives the work a fresh spin. Veronica's voice is cluttered with lots of "crazypants," "for realz," and "Geez and crackers" and feels like an adult trying to use teen-speak, but her ridiculous predicaments are still good for a few chuckles. Black-and-white comic-style illustrations capture the stupidpowers well.