TALIA TALK

Christine Hurley Deriso's books bring the world of middle school to life with humor and insight. In TALIA TALK, 11-year-old Talia struggles to stay loyal to her BFF, Bridget, even while two other friends, Brynne and Meredith, pressure her to snub Bridget's quirky, often embarrassing, enthusiasm. When Talia lands a job on the school's "oddcast," she gains a new respect for her celebrity mother, who shares Talia's adventures with viewers on a morning TV show. Becca Battoe's Talia is clever, hip, and appealing as she finds her voice and her place in the challenging world of middle school. She has just the rhythm and cadence of a middle school girl, overflowing with doubts and confidence at the same time. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]