Mia the Meek

Mia Fullerton has entered her freshman year at St. Hilary s with a goal: to lose her nickname Mia the Meek, and soar into a confident high school career. Unfortunately, her transformation is made harder by her English-teacher mom, bratty little brother, already popular nemesis, and new neighbor. In telling her story, Mia proves to be a witty, candid, and interesting fourteen-year-old.

VOYA

Starting ninth grade at Catholic co-ed St. Hilary's, Mia reads a self-help book on overcoming shyness. Emboldened, she runs for class president, winning not only the presidency but also Jake, the popular, hunky-but-thickheaded sweetie of Cassie, the class alpha female. Mia also attracts the interest of Tim. He has looks as well as brains, but even after a kiss when Tim's tongue work proves superior to Jake's, Mia spurns him because they are competitive. On the way to sorting out her love life, Mia copes with a ditzy mother, a bratty brother, a fight with her best girlfriend, and a running battle with archenemy, Cassie. Mia also wins the final point in a Quiz Bowl, organizes an unorthodox but wildly successful school dance, and of course, recovers from her shyness and chooses the right guy. The first in a projected series, this episodic novel is peopled with formulaic characters who trip through their paces with minimal depth or motivation. Readers will strain to suspend disbelief when Mia's mother, who teaches Mia's English class, tells all about Mia's potty training or when Sister Donovan pulls out a "giant aspirin bottle and her rosary," pours "a small handful of aspirin into her mouth," and begins praying. It is difficult to credit that Mia's smart best girlfriend is so nerdy that she believes touchdowns are scored in basketball. Reluctant preteen readers going into schools like St. Hilary's might finish this book, but it is difficult imagining its appeal to a wider audience.