For Real

Claire is devastated after her “gorgeous, willowy, outgoing” older sister, Miranda, is cheated on by her fame-seeking boyfriend, Samir. Obsessed with reality television, 18-year-old Claire decides to help Miranda get back at Samir by beating him on a reality show he is slated to appear on. The sisters manage to get onto the show, but learn that what was supposed to be an around-the-world race is actually a dating show. Soon, Miranda and Claire are fighting each other on national television, and Claire is falling for another contestant. In addition to having a blast inventing an array of believable-sounding (not to mention hilarious) reality shows like MacGyver Survivor, Twin Cognito, and GuilloTeen, Cherry (Red) addresses the difficulty of being the younger, less sparkly sibling and the strength of family ties when push come to shove. Though the plot’s trajectory is straightforward, readers looking for a sweet and funny story of sisters bonding will enjoy watching Miranda and Claire stick up for each other in the face of unworthy boys. Ages 12–up. Agent: Holly Root, Waxman Leavell Literary Agency. (Dec.)