The Jerk Magnet by Melody Carlson ~ review

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
• Paperback: 218 pages
• Publisher: Revell; Original edition (January 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080071962X
• ISBN-13: 978-0800719623

Book Description from Amazon.com:

Publication Date: January 1, 2012 | Series: Life at Kingston High (Book 1)

When Chelsea Martin's future stepmother helps her transform from gawky and geeky into the hottest girl at her new school, Chelsea is pretty sure it's the best thing that ever happened to her. But her hot new look has a downside. She's attracting lots of guys who all have one thing in common: they're jerks. And stealing the attention of all the guys in school doesn't endear her to the girls either.

Chelsea finally finds a true friend in Janelle Parker, and a non-jerk, Nicholas, catches her eye. Janelle keeps telling her to be herself, but Nicholas is the only guy around who doesn't give her a second look. Can Chelsea and Janelle come up with a plan to get his attention? Or will Chelsea's new image ruin everything?

Teen favorite and bestselling author Melody Carlson helps girls uncover the real source of beauty in this true-to-life story of young love, friendship, and being yourself.

My take on this book:

"The Jerk Magnet" is the story of Chelsea Martin. Chelsea had been eleven years old when the death of her mother changed her world forever. Now it's five years later and it's still hard to think about it, so when her dad tells her he wants to marry his girlfriend Kate and that his job is transferring him to another town, virtually turning her life upside down. She isn't looking forward to starting her junior year in a new high school, but when her soon to be step mom decides to give Chelsea a makeover could it be the boost that Chelsea needs? 

Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors and I know when I read one of her books that not only am I going to get a good story, but also one with positive inspirational messages woven in, and the message that teens will take from this book is about self image. Chelsea would have never described herself as pretty, instead she was a shy insecure girl, who considered herself plain. When she gets the make over and becomes a knock out she starts attracting attention but it wasn't the attention she really wanted. While this book is geared toward teens many of us struggle with self esteem issues making the message one that many will relate to. Another great read from Melody Carlson!

This book is available January 2012 from your favorite bookseller of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.