Mates, Dates, and Sequin Smiles

Hopkins, Cathy. (2003). Mates, dates, and sequin smiles. New York: Simon Pulse.

Reading level: Grades 6-10

Summary:
Nesta has to get braces and is devastated that she may have to put off her love life for a whole year. Of course, as soon as she get braces, she meets the boy of her dreams, Luke. Her mates tease Nesta that she is too shallow, and that just because she has braces doesn't mean she should put her life on hold. By the end of the book Nesta realizes that it's ok to be shallow, since not everyone can be full of deep ideas.

Comments:
This book was frighteningly similar to the other books in the series. It really seems that there are no original thoughts in any of the books. There are no surprises, no plot twists. Everything is predictable. The one different thing this author does is that she includes something (a quote, a recipe, advice) at the end of each chapter in all her books of this series. There are supposed to be humorous moments, but I found a hard time seeing anything amusing in the book. If you enjoy mindless reading, you may enjoy the book. I would not likely ever recommend reading this series. It would be a last resort.

Rating: 2/5