Something Real

Given the oversaturation of reality television and the strength of the celebrity gossip industrial complex, Demetrios’s addictive yet thoughtful debut, about a teenage TV star in search of normalcy, comes as a welcome reprieve. Chloe Baker (“Bonnie™” to viewing audiences) grew up as a young star of Baker’s Dozen, a cross between Big Brother and Jon & Kate Plus 8. MetaReel Productions tracked her family’s every move for years until Chloe attempted suicide at age 13; four years later, Chloe’s mother has agreed to let the cameras back into their lives. Unlike Chloe’s 11 siblings, many of whom were adopted from around the globe, Chloe and her closeted brother, Benny, aren’t ready to rejoin the media circus. Though there’s plenty of prime time–worthy drama, the book isn’t all paparazzi chases and trash-talk dished out in interviews with producers. Instead, Demetrios smartly focuses on Chloe and Benny’s fight to fit in, pursue romantic relationships, and be their real selves while trying to maintain a sliver of privacy. A natural follow-up for fans of A.S. King’s recent Reality Boy. Ages 12–up. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Feb.)