Book Review: The List by Siobhan Vivian

Eight girls lives will be changed once the list is released. It's a tradition that has taken place for years at Mount Washington High. The last Monday in September the list is released with the prettiest and the ugliest girl from each class listed, and the official school seal stolen long ago makes it all official. Eight girls will go to school that Monday, and people will whisper and point, or congratulate them for being on the list.

First there is Abby, prettiest freshman who is very different from her smart sister. In fact, she is so different she longs for a different kind of sister, like the one her best friend Lisa has. Then there is Danielle, ugliest freshman. She doesn't think she's really ugly, just athletic. And with an awesome boyfriend who's a sophomore, what does she really have to worry about no one cares about the stupid list.

Candace thought she was a shoo-in for prettiest sophomore, however being ugliest is not only a surprise, it's ruining her life. Especially with former home-school girl Lauren being named prettiest for her class, and no one even knows her.

Junior Bridget knows that her being the prettiest is because she lost so much weight this summer, and will work extra hard to stay thin to stay pretty. If they thought ugliest junior Sarah was ugly before, wait until she shows them what ugly can really look like.

The senior class brought no surprises. Of course Margo is the prettiest, she was prettiest her freshman year, and her sister was prettiest last year. And if the ugliest had been anyone but Jennifer, it would have been a disappointment

All eight have a change to tell their part of the story over one week, and show how the list changed their lives. Siobhan Vivian has a knack for writing multi-dimensional characters who are put into boxes by the world they live in. Each girl has her own voice, but still has the same worries and concerns. The List is one of those books that should be required reading for all high school girls (and maybe boys too), and fans of realistic fiction with a bit of a bit should get The List as soon as possible.

I'll see you @ the library!
Katie (Now reading The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour)

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