[.ca] Klepto (ISBN 0670060615)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too:
Julie Prodsky is absolutely thrilled, yet anxious, to start at the famed High School of the Performing Arts in New York City. Julie feels like such a loser compared to all the talented and smart students in her freshman class, not to mention the upperclassmen. She worries about fitting in, and can't believe her luck when popular, pretty Julie Braverman notices her in the crowd and invites her to hang out at school. The Julies' friendship starts to intensify, which thrills Julie P. because she hates hanging around her apartment with her dad, her overbearing mother, and annoying older sister. Julie P. is totally impressed with Julie B.'s fantastic wardrobe - the girl always has the latest jeans and the best brands. At first, Julie P. can't understand how she can afford everything, and then she learns the truth - Julie B. loves to shoplift. And she wants Julie P. to join in the fun. What starts out as a harmless adventure begins to turn into an obsession for both the girls. The risks carry over into their social lives, too. Worried about being too good and too nice, Julie P. begins to smoke and drink with Julie B. at parties thrown for upperclassmen. She is determined to get her first kiss - and even more if she can. Just when Julie P. thinks her life is about as good as it can get, the bubble bursts. How she handles this sudden crisis is about to change her life forever. All she knows is that her parents do not trust her, her friends are dropping her, and she can't make any relationship work out. Jenny Pollack brings the 1980's back with her debut novel set in New York City. Pop culture references are everywhere and the retro tone will appeal to teen readers. Regardless of the time setting, teens will relate to Julie P.'s desire to fit in and how hard it is to resist peer pressure. Give KLEPTO a try - it's definitely addicting. Reviewed by: Samantha G.