The True Meaning of Cleavage

Fredericks, Mariah. (2003). The true meaning of cleavage. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Reading level: Grades 6-11

Summary:
Sari and Jess are best friends starting grade nine. They both have always sneered at the popular kids and all things conventional. However, things change when Sari falls for a popular boy and becomes distant from Jess. Jess is confused, and lost without the presence of her friend. Jess comes to realize that her life doesn't have to revolve around her friendship with Sari.

Comments:
When I started this book, I thought it was going to be shallow and boy-centric, like many other chicklit books. However, as you learn more about Jess, you get to appreciate different levels of her personality. There is a subtle sophistication in this book that I haven't noticed in many other YA books. I really enjoyed Jess's character, who I was able to identify with. This book highlights the fact that people are not just good or just bad, but that people have many different levels. The author's use of the meaning of the word "cleavage" is also quite interesting. I would recommend this book to upper-level middle school and lower-level high school girls.

Rating: 4/5