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Mates, Dates, and Designer Divas (Mates, Dates Series)

Name: Mates, Dates, and Designer Divas (Mates, Dates Series)
Author: Cathy Hopkins
ISBN: 9781439104330

by Cathy Hopkins

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Overview

"Trust me to go and fall for someone who lives on the other side of the planet."

Nesta has met the perfect boy: good-looking, fun, sweet. But there are problems, too. Simon's from a rich, upper-class background -- with a lifestyle to match -- and it's difficult for Nesta to keep up. And then there's Simon's friend Cressida. What can Nesta do to compete with the ultimate Designer Diva?

Nesta has met the perfect boy: good-looking, fun, sweet. But there are problems, too. Simon's from a rich, upperclass background -- with a lifestyle to match -- and it's difficult for Nesta to keep up. And then there's Simon's friend Cressida. The Ice Queen. The Designer Diva. Not one to give in, Nesta determines to impress the new crowd, but finds herself out of her depth. Luckily she has Lucy and Izzie to help her reassess what really matters....

Synopsis

"Trust me to go and fall for someone who lives on the other side of the planet." Nesta has met the perfect boy: good-looking, fun, sweet. But there are problems, too. Simon's from a rich, upper-class background -- with a lifestyle to match -- and it's difficult for Nesta to keep up. And then there's Simon's friend Cressida. What can Nesta do to compete with the ultimate Designer Diva?

About the Author, Cathy Hopkins

Cathy Hopkins lives in North London with her handsome husband and three deranged cats. She has had nineteen books published. The fifth book

in the Mates, Dates series, Mates, Dates, and Sole Survivors, was recently released in the U.K. Piccadilly Press has launched a new series from Hopkins,

based on the classic sleepover game of Truth or Consequences.

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Editorials

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
Nesta's trying to impress her wealthy boyfriend in the third fabulous installment of Cathy Hopkins's Mates, Dates series. Nesta meets Simon on a train and decides he's the boy for her, but when she meets his crusty friend Cressida, Nesta finds that proving herself worthy is tougher than she thought. With her mom in jeopardy of losing her job, the teen is having serious spending-money troubles, yet after she gets a homemade horseback-riding outfit from Lucy, Nesta thinks she's made some headway. Unfortunately, though, an innocent attempt at making friends leads to drunken problems at a rock concert -- good thing she has forgiving friends! In the end, Nesta gets her pals back and finds out that Simon's much cooler than she ever expected. Another awesome, fast-paced entry to satisfy fans' appetites (for now), Mates, Dates, and Designer Divas teaches that the right guy will appreciate you for what's inside, and that good friends will always stick around. Shana Taylor

Publishers Weekly

Mates, Dates, and Designer Divas, the third title in the series by Cathy Hopkins, focuses on Nesta, who is more than keen on handsome, sweet Simon. Nesta tries to keep up with Simon's wealthy lifestyle and fend off his snobby friend Cressida, the ultimate designer diva, in this light teen confection sprinkled with British slang. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

Nesta finds herself in a whirlwind of emotions when she meets Simon, a rich, older boy from London's posh side of town. When Nesta learns of her family's financial trouble, she thinks her life is over. Her friends, Izzie and Lucy, try to convince her that even though she does not have as much money as Simon, she should never feel inferior. But Nesta's being "middle-class-mixed-race" makes her an easy target of ridicule for Cressida, Simon's rich and beautiful friend. Before Nesta can regain her confidence, she risks her relationships with Simon, Izzie, and Lucy. Although the book is a good reflection of the troubles many young adults have, it lacks a sense of reality because Nesta eventually gets everything she wants. 2003 (orig. 2001), Simon Pulse, Ages 11 to 14.
—Betsy Coker

KLIATT

This is the third in a series about three best friends growing up in present-day London and its surroundings. They use their cell phones, computers, and an assortment of technology with ease, but are saddled with the age-old problems of parents, boys, clothes, school and friends. They just want to have a good time, have a boyfriend and friends. Nesta meets the perfect guy, who seems to have it all: looks, personality and lots of money. He also has a sarcastic sister who accompanies him with her friends. Nesta knows she is out of her league but strives to compete anyway. The author nails the teenage dialogue and British slang. KLIATT Codes: JS; Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2001, Simon & Schuster, Pulse, 200p.,
— Sherri Forgash Ginsberg

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-This third installment in the hip series spotlights Nesta, an extraordinarily beautiful and high-spirited 14-year-old whose family is undergoing relatively hard financial times. Falling for ultra-wealthy Simon, she thinks she needs to pretend to be someone she's not in order to keep him. When her pretenses catch up to her, and she is at the risk of losing him and her best friends Lucy and Izzie, she must tell the truth. In the end, the teen learns that it's best to be yourself. This is a quick and fun read, and even reluctant readers will enjoy following the exploits of Nesta and her North London friends.-Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.