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Overview
In this sequel to the beloved Rules of the Road, Jenna Boller is dripping with newfound maturity after her life-altering summer on the road. She has a job she loves at Gladstone Shoes, a best friend who makes her laugh, and a dysfunctional family she's learning how to handle. Jenna feels ready for anything—until Tanner Cobb, a guy with a past, a police record, and dangerously good looks, walks into her life. Suddenly Jenna's surrounded by crises, including a shoe empire on the verge of crumbling. Tanner's street smarts seem to be what Jenna needs, but can she trust him enough when the going gets tough?
Synopsis
In this sequel to the beloved Rules of the Road, Jenna Boller is dripping with newfound maturity after her life-altering summer on the road. She has a job she loves at Gladstone Shoes, a best friend who makes her laugh, and a dysfunctional family she's learning how to handle. Jenna feels ready for anything--until Tanner Cobb, a guy with a past, a police record, and dangerously good looks, walks into her life. Suddenly Jenna's surrounded by crises, including a shoe empire on the verge of crumbling. Tanner's street smarts seem to be what Jenna needs, but can she trust him enough when the going gets tough?
About the Author: Joan Bauer lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Publishers Weekly
Shoe-crazy Jenna from Rules of the Road lands her dream job at Gladstone Shoes, but trouble arises. "Vivid characterizations, crisp, believable dialogue and some exciting scenarios make for an entertaining ride," PW said. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Shoe-crazy Jenna from Rules of the Road lands her dream job at Gladstone Shoes, but trouble arises. "Vivid characterizations, crisp, believable dialogue and some exciting scenarios make for an entertaining ride," PW said. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.From The Critics
With Best Foot Forward, Joan Bauer continues the adventures of Jenna Boller. Having concluded the adventures described in Rules of the Road, Jenna returns to Chicago and her job at Gladstone Shoes. Mrs. Gladstone returns, as well, struggling to assert the control over the corporation that was promised to her as Director of Quality Control at the conclusion of Rules of the Road. Mrs. Gladstone's greedy son Eldon continues to engage in shoddy business practices, and Mrs. Gladstone moves through the novel toward the inevitable confrontation that mirrors the plot of Rules of the Road. Added to the mix this time is Tanner Cobb, a good-hearted adolescent on parole for theft and determined to throw his life away. We also meet Charlie Duran, a young man who appeals to Jenna because "He understands retail." As always, Bauer's prose is delightful, and the potentially serious issues (Will Mrs. Gladstone save the soul of the corporation? Will Tanner be rehabilitated?) never threaten to break the essentially humorous spell of the novel. Readers who loved Rules of the Road will have to read Best Foot Forward. 2005, Putnam, 183 pp., Ages young adult.—F. Todd Goodson
Children's Literature
This sequel to Bauer's Rules of the Road will send those who have not yet met heroine Jenna Boller scurrying to read the first volume. In the first book, Jenna discovered her passion and gift for selling shoes. Now she understands her capability as a manager, marketer, and someone who can strategize to fight for those who are suffering from the ill effects of corporate bad decisions. Jenna has a front row seat for viewing the ugliness of greed and power when the tough, sure, smart owner Mrs. Gladstone finds the empire she has built threatened by betrayals by her less-than-honorable son. At the same time Jenna fights battles on this front, she has a growing understanding about her feelings regarding her dysfunctional father. She learns partly by helping Tanner Cobb, a new employee with a strong family and a police record. Jenna also meets a very healthy love interest who understands the difficulties of doing the right thing in business. Bauer is eloquent in bringing this vivid character to life with a blend of humorous and thoughtful writing. 2005, Putnam, Ages 11 to 15.—Susie Wilde
KLIATT
Jenna, spunky heroine of Bauer's award-winning Rules of the Road, makes a welcome reappearance in this sequel. Back in Chicago after a road trip driving her tough-minded though tender-hearted boss, Mrs. Gladstone, down to Texas to help save her shoe company from a takeover by her sleazy son, Elden, in the previous title, 16-year-old Jenna is now happily working at Gladstone Shoes while juggling responsibilities at school and at home. She's still wrestling with her father's alcoholism (she called the police on him for driving drunk) and she attends Al-Alon for support. Meanwhile, a new challenge comes into her life: Tanner, a "dangerously cute" teenager whom she encounters when he tries to steal from the shoe store. Instead of prosecuting him, Mrs. Gladstone hires him—and assigns Jenna to be his mentor. Interestingly, this doesn't become a romantic relationship (Jenna meanwhile meets the perfect guy: "'He understands retail,' I said dreamily"), but both of them learn and grow from their work experience, especially when Mrs. Gladstone's son tries to turn the business into a discount chain and is revealed to be using sweatshop labor in Thailand. A great cast of characters, witty dialog along with Jenna's droll asides, and an insight into business ethics highlight this winning title, which is sure to win more accolades for the talented Bauer. KLIATT Codes: JS*—Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2005, Penguin, Putnam, 192p., Ages 12 to 18.—Paula Rohrlick