Popular: A Memoir by Maya Van Wagenen

Pages: 255

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Memoir

Notes for Parents: There are a few mature scenes that may be sensitive for young readers

The Back Cover

Stuck near the bottom of the social ladder at “pretty much the lowest level of people at school who aren’t paid to be here,” Maya has never been popular. But before starting eighth grade, she decides to begin a unique social experiment: spend the school year following a 1950s popularity guide, written by former teen model Betty Cornell. The real-life results are hilarious, painful, and filled with unexpected surprises—but through it all, Maya’s positive approach helps her to reveal a new understanding of self-confidence, kindness, and acceptance.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This book was the 2015 winner of the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction.

What’s good?

Maya is one courageous girl! She puts aside fear, embarrassment, and pride to blaze a trail toward popularity – 1950s style. It’s fun and funny, but Maya also deals with some serious issues along the way, like bullying, death, grief, stigma, school violence, and a drug war raging just across the border. The diary format is easy to read and well laid out. It includes photos, lists, and quotes for the 1950s book. Maya’s story unfolds at a good pace, and her adventures are believable. The ending provides a beautiful lesson about what it means to be popular.

Best Part: Her pearls, girdle, rag curls, and clutch purse.

What isn’t good?

It feels a little bit contrived. Maybe contrived isn’t the right word. Over-edited, maybe. Either way, the story is a bit too clean at times and often lacks emotional depth.

Worst part: Nothing.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺☻ (4/5)

I loved it! It was very entertaining. In fact, when I was about a quarter of the way in, I thought, “This would make a great movie.” It turns out that it was optioned by Dreamworks before it was even published! Maya is positive role model with a valuable message, and her memoir is a breath of fresh air. Highly recommended!!!

Van Wagenen, Maya. Popular: A Memoir. New York: Penguin, 2014.