Paparazzi Princess

June 1, 2009
Gr 6 Up-A popular TV show, "Family Affairs", is in its last season of filming and teen star Kaitlin Burke is undecided about what to do next. She can't believe that she won't be returning to the set she has been on since preschool. Nobody understands how she feels, not even her best friend, Liz, who is busy with her own career plans. Feeling ignored and disoriented, Kaitlin starts hanging out with Lauren and Ava, two party girls featured regularly in the tabloids for their wild ways. And it's not long before Kaitlin joins them. After Lauren and Ava crash a photo shoot, she realizes these girls are not her friends and steps up to take control of her life before her career is damaged for good. Fans who enjoyed the first three titles will want this installment, which is filled with lifestyles of the rich and famous, designer clothes, and teenage angst. Readers will certainly recognize the similarities between Lauren and Ava and the party girls from today's tabloid news. Kaitlin is a likable character, but her constant whining and indecision about her next career move can be annoying at times. Fortunately, they don't detract from the story too much, and the novel moves quickly along with blog entries and tabloid news interspersed throughout. A quick, fun read."Kelley Siegrist, Farmington Community Library, MI"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2009
It's the final season of "Family Affair." Kaitlin, the show's seventeen-year-old star, juggles filming with studying, seeking out new acting roles, and maintaining personal relationships. Uncertain about her future, Kaitlin follows the advice of two new (incredibly annoying) celebutante friends and makes some questionable choices. Kaitlin's relatable personality gets lost in the endless references to designer labels and celebrities.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)