Girl of the Moment

Zindel, daughter of novelist and playwright Paul Zindel, pens an entertaining first novel about a New York City teen who, the summer before her senior year, interns for spoiled 16-year-old star Sabrina Snow. Though readers may find it hard to believe that Lily is not fired during her "test" (she loses control of Sabrina's dog at a movie premiere and the next workday lets an imposter into the actress's press junket), they will understand why Lily gets caught up in Sabrina's world, vicariously experiencing the glamorous parties, free jewelry and very cute boyfriend. (Of course, Lily must also answer fan mail, fetch Sabrina's lunch and prepare her expenses.) Zindel creates a complicated character in Sabrina: the actress often humiliates Lily, but she works hard for her career. Sabrina can also be vulnerable, such as when she ends up in the hospital and tells Lily she misses her estranged mother. She also inspires Lily to work hard for her (and gives her patronizing pep talks such as, "Concentrate on your own goals and charge toward them. Lily, I only want great things for you." The plotting here is predictable: Lily's efforts strain her relationships with her best friend and her father, and her decision to impersonate Sabrina in order to help a distraught fan ends in disaster. Nonetheless readers will breathlessly follow Lily to the satisfying conclusion, cheering when she finally finds the strength to stand down Sabrina and stand up for herself. Ages 12-up. (Apr.) Agency: Elaine Koster Agency.