Major Crush

KLIATT - Amanda MacGregor

Much to her delight, 16-year-old Virginia wins a spot as drum major of her high school band, a position she has coveted. But it turns out not to be everything she had hoped. She has to be co-drum major with Drew, a boy she secretly has a crush on but spends most of her time arguing with. Nasty rumors about how Virginia won the election plague her. Some of her peers insist she slept with the band teacher, others say she won the whole election, but Drew was also given the position so people would feel less offended that a girl won. Instead of feeling powerful and proud to be the town's first-ever female drum major, she struggles to gain respect. The chasm between Drew and Virginia threatens to destroy the band, so their teacher counsels them to be honest with each other in an effort to work better together. They reveal more than just their feelings about band, but quickly find their romance at risk thanks to rumors both old and new. Major Crush is predictable and has a tendency to drag. Neither the writing nor the plot is particularly noteworthy. However, Echols still manages to create a surprisingly fun read that overcomes these negatives. Though it takes a while for readers to warm to the characters, Virginia and Drew's relationship is multifaceted enough to keep the story interesting. As the novel progresses, the storyline widens to encompass more serious issues with Virginia's parents, her best friend Allison, and Drew's home life. This is a good addition to any leisure reading collection. It won't challenge a reader much, but it will provide a few hours of light entertainment.

Children's Literature - Janet L. Rose

Virginia and Drew are both the drum majors but don't get along. Drew was drum major last year and doesn't need anyone to help him. Virginia wants to prove a girl can do the job. Mr. Rush, the new band director, says they must work together or they will be out of a job. First step is for Virginia to dress in a short skirt and high boots and for the two of them to do a "dip" together. Drew is willing, but Virginia is flippant and sarcastic. In fact, the way all the students and Mr. Rush talk to each other it's amazing they ever get along and resolve their issues. They swear, are insensitive, and treat each other with no respect. For example, Virginia is cruel to Walter, who is her lifelong friend and has a crush on her. The book is politically correct, however, with Alison, Virginia's best friend, being African American and winning the Miss Homecoming title, although one of the evil twins is runner-up and refuses to accept her title in the wake of a "Black." In the end, Alison feels accepted by the high school students, Drew and Virginia are dating each other, and the band wins the competition. All ends happily ever after.

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-Virginia Sauter throws in her tiara, pierces her nose, and quits the beauty-pageant circuit to try out to become drum major at her high school. Winning is bittersweet when she must share the title with Drew, whose family members have held the position for generations. Despite the fact that he is competitive and dating one of the Evil Twins, Tracey or Cacey (even he isn't sure which one), Virginia thinks that he is hot. To complicate matters further, the drum-major role isn't what she envisioned it to be and she begins to believe that she made a big mistake. The protagonist is also dealing with the aftermath of her father's extramarital affair; while her mother has forgiven him, Virginia cannot. However, the issues never get in the way of this entertaining story. The characters' voices are real, and situations are dealt with in a believable way. Readers looking for romance and a few laughs won't be disappointed.-Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert, Merton Williams Middle School, Hilton, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.