Breaking Up(Fashion High Graphic Novel) - Softcover

Friedman's (South Beach) narrator, Chloe Sacks, is a self-described "aspiring artist, chronic daydreamer, borderline neurotic," and tells the story of her junior year at Georgia O'Keeffe School for the Arts in flashbacks. The volume strikes a sure balance between realistic issues and teenage sarcasm. For instance, the school is nicknamed "Fashion High" because of the ridiculous sartorial standard set by the students. Chloe is distraught to notice that her lifelong best friend, Mackenzie, is becoming distant, shallow and increasingly obsessed with popularity. Two-time Eisner nominee Norrie depicts a hilarious panel for the image of Mackenzie's "nightmare... los[ing] our precarious social footing": the tops-turvy friends are being sucked into a black hole labeled "unpopular!" Chloe befriends nerdy-but-oddly-handsome Adam, despite the damage such a friendship could do to her "popular girl" status. The two become a couple, but Chloe keeps it a secret from Mackenzie and their two other "inner circle" friends, Erika and Isabel. When the trio discovers Chloe's secret, she inadvertently alienates all three friends—as well as Adam. The stakes get higher: Erika deals with a pushy boyfriend who wants sex, Mackenzie's scheming social climbing explosively backfires. In the final chapters, Friedman moves from giggly gossip, instant messages and lattes, to a thoughtful exploration of the difficult time the girls have reconciling their friendships, and learning to accept each other for who they are. For teens going through similar dilemmas, this book will likely be a great source of comfort. Ages 15-up. (Mar.)
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The author of Hollywood Hills (2005) and French Kiss (2006) branches out into graphic novels with this likable story of rocky friendships and romances illustrated by award-winning artist Norrie. The four central teen characters fit neatly into types: "wild Mackensie, sassy Isabel, and angelic Erika." Narrator Chloe ("aspiring artist . . . borderline neurotic") describes the girls' tumultuous junior year at Georgia O'Keeffe School for the Arts (nicknamed "Fashion High" for its stylish student body), during which their changing feelings about sex, love, and popularity pull them apart. Gossip Girls and A-List seriesreaders will feel right at home with the physically flawless characters and trendy clothes. The well-paced text and skillful black-and-white art include many authentic, standout moments. Norrie's art is particularly noteworthy, with touches of fantasy (butterflies winging out of stomachs) and spot-on body language (while chatting with a girl on the phone, a boy takes off his glasses and assesses himself in his mirror). Expect heavy circulation among chick-lit fans. Gillian Engberg
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