Eulberg, Elizabeth. Just Another Girl.

Eulberg, Elizabeth. Just Another Girl. Scholastic Press/Point     2017  246p  $17.99  Hardback  ISBN 978-0-545-95628-4      ms/hs    Romance  VG-BN      

A slightly different take on the classic love triangle, this title starts out with the reader expecting page after boring page of laments that Parker has Brady and Hope wants Brady.  Eventually, as we learn more about each of the characters, we find that this isn’t the whole story.  Parker has secrets that Hope doesn’t know, and Brady also has secrets.  All this wraps around the creation of a Rube Goldberg machine.  The club really wants to win a state competition, but Brady always seems distracted by Parker.  Of course, Hope is jealous.  This unconventional love triangle comes to a satisfactory conclusion, eventually.
  

This novel starts very slowly.  Then the reader is given hints that all may not be as it seems.  The truth is not revealed until very near the end of the story.  There are many truths to be learned through this title.  All may not be as it seems, what you hope for may not be the best for you, life can be complicated, and don’t judge someone until you know the whole story.  It presents a very realistic view of relationships, friendships and families.

The author has provided a look at reality with humor and imagination.  It will be a very good purchase for libraries serving grades 7-12 -- an unconventional love triangle that girls will enjoy.

Summary: An unconventional twist on the love triangle.  Secrets become very hard to maintain and appearances are not everything.  All wrapped around the creation of a Rube Goldberg machine. Grades 7-12.

Love triangle-Fiction                                       --Joan Theal

Eulberg, Elizabeth. We Can Work It Out.

Eulberg, Elizabeth.  We Can Work It Out.  Scholastic Press/Point  2015  311p  $17.99  ISBN 978-0-545-65461-6  ms/hs  Realistic fiction  VG  

This story illustrates how difficult it is to balance your life when you are a busy teenage girl trying to maintain a relationship.  The “Club” takes up an inordinate amount of Penny’s time, and Ryan’s never-ending understanding seems somewhat unbelievable.  In addition, how many teenage girls would sacrifice a potentially great boyfriend to a club, or anything else, for that matter?  A simple, fluffy writing style and an otherwise breezy storyline make this a fun, quick read. There is nothing inappropriate in the story that would keep it out of a middle-school collection, where no doubt it will find its readership with those who enjoy chick-lit.

Summary: This story, the sequel to The Lonely Hearts Club, finds Penny Lane trying to balance a boyfriend, The Lonely Hearts Club, and the rest of her life.
           

Romance-Fiction                                                   --Lynne Fisher

Better Off Friends.

Eulberg, Elizabeth.  Better Off Friends.  Scholastic Press/Point  2014  278p  $17.99  ISBN 978-0-545-55145-8  hs  Realistic fiction  E-BN    

Macallan and Levi become instant best friends after bonding over a favorite British sitcom on the first day of seventh grade. Macallan lost her mother to an automobile accident the previous year and Levi is a California native experiencing slight culture shock after his family moves to Wisconsin.  Their instant connection makes dating complicated as they move through high school, as everyone assumes their closeness means they are in a romantic relationship.  The story alternates between light, funny moments and the serious emotional challenges of growing up and first relationships.  Each chapter begins with a brief back-and-forth between the two main characters commenting on the events in the previous chapters, reminiscent of the interview scenes in the movie When Harry Met Sally.  This story will entertain those looking for a light romance novel.               

Summary: Macallan and Levi become instant friends in seventh grade after bonding over their love of a British sitcom. The pair have difficultly dating through high school, as others frequently assume they are a couple. Gr 9-12   

High school-Fiction, Friendship-Fiction         --Stephanie Pennucci

Eulberg, Elizabeth. Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality.

Eulberg, Elizabeth.  Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality.  Scholastic Press/Point    2013  261p  $17.99  978-0-545-47699-7  Conflict  VG-BN 

Sixteen-year-old Lexi is tired of playing second fiddle to her seven-year-old sister Mackenzie.  It seems their mother, who is a single parent, is trying to live her life through Mac’s participation in the beauty-contest circuit.        Lexi is smart, popular, and funny.  She is not having any fun spending all of her free time as wardrobe mistress to her bratty little sister.  It seems their mother only has eyes and concern for Mackenzie, and Lexi is tired of being unloved and considered ugly.  Her best friends Cam and Benny support her and try to get her to glam herself up a little for school.  The fun and games begin when she stops wearing just any old clothes and puts on some makeup.  Heads begin to turn at school as the new Lexi emerges.

The situation at home is going from bad to worse because Mother is spending all of their money (even money they don’t have) on dresses, false eyelashes and even false teeth for Mac’s costumes in the beauty contests.  At one point, Mother even takes money out of her bank account.

The ending of the story is very dramatic.  Readers will be horrified at Lexi’s actions while they are laughing at the pictures they conjure in their minds.

           

Conflict–Fiction, School–Fiction, Physical appearance–Fiction

                                                            --Linda McNeil

Take a Bow

Eulberg, Elizabeth      Take a Bow   

Scholastic/Grolier/Childrens Press/Watts  2012  280p  $17.99      978-0-545-33474-7       ms/hs   VG    Realistic fiction

Once again, Eulberg (The Lonely Hearts Club) has created a romantic story with memorable characters and setting.  Narrated in four different voices, this novel focuses on talented students during their senior year at the New York High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.  Sophie was a star before, but now she is using her friends only to advance her career.  Emme is talented but lacks confidence.  Ethan loves Emme, but can he tell her?  Former child star Carter wants to be an artist, but will his stage mother let him be one?  And then there’s the band.  The friendships ring true.  The major characters, Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter, and band members Jack and Ben are portrayed with verve and humor.  This is more a story of friendship and self-realization than a romance, but the romantic elements will keep Eulberg’s fans entranced.  This is an enjoyable read for older teens, and there is nothing that is inappropriate for middle-school readers.       

VG    Pat Naismith      Friendship, High school stories, Romance