Smart Girls Get What They Want

Brainiac Gigi Dubois and her best friends Bea and Neerja believe that serious studying will make their dreams come true come college. That’s what Neerja’s older sister, Parad, did—and she got into Princeton. But when they find Parad’s hidden high school yearbook—which has barely been signed—they realize that good grades don’t equal happiness. “Shouldn’t the kids at the top feel on top?” Gigi wonders. They vow to make names for themselves during their sophomore year. Gigi gets accused of cheating in chemistry class and runs for student office. She also tries out for the play and signs up for ski team—just to support her besties. The spot-on teenage characters—including cute boys like new student Will from California and “Man Clan” Mike—keep the book energized and romantic, buoying an often-wispy plot. In her YA debut, adult author Strohmeyer (Kindred Spirits) excels at exploring the bonds of friendship and the complications of teenagers’ lives. Smart readers will find a heroine in girly, intellectual Gigi—all the while winking at her nerdy jokes. Ages 13–up. Agent: Heather Schroder, ICM. (July)