Geek Girl – Hilarious bestselling British series about an unlikely girl model.
Harriet Manners is a geek. It’s one of the biggest facts about her, alongside loving to share “interesting facts” and write lists, having another geek stalker (Toby) and a nemesis (Alexa), being a bit of a drama queen, and not liking fashion. Her best friend Nat wants to be a model, and its a best friend’s duty to support the other’s dreams. So Harriet is dragged to a Clothes Show in nearby Birmingham and everything turns out wrong. First, her stalker vomits on Harriet and Nat, then Harriet knocks over a bunch of booths, and finally, she’s offered a modeling job with the gorgeous Nick (or “Lion Boy” for his curly hair) and Wilbur, an agent, who calls her things like “baby-baby panda” and “plum-cake”. Even though it isn’t her fault, Harriet feels terrible about stealing her best friend’s dream, and tries to turn it down. When kids at school begin teasing her, Harriet decides she wants to be different and maybe being a model will make her into a slightly more socially acceptable person, but as you can predict, modeling has bullies too…
This geek girl is full of surprises and will have readers rooting for her to succeed despite the odds.
School is finally out for the summer, and with Nat going to France, Harriet is feeling lonely, especially since Annabel’s baby is due soon and she and her father are preparing (ransacking?) the house. Then Wilbur calls with fantastic news. Yuka, the fashion mogul, is starting her own secret line and she wants Harriet to model, only they have to keep it a secret from Baylee, the current line Yuka and Harriet work for. This means, Harriet is going to Tokyo! After her eccentric grandmother drops her off at a model’s flat, Harriet meets Poppy and Rin, two other models. One more surprise is waiting for Harriet in Tokyo–her ex-boyfriend Nick, who Poppy says she’s dating. Despite this setback, Harriet is determined to enjoy Tokyo and freeze out Nick, but something goes wrong during her shoots. Is someone sabotaging Harriet or is Harriet just a magnificent screw up at modeling?
Really fun series perfect for middle grade or reluctant readers. Harriet is likable, funny, and normal, prompting a natural conflict with the stereotypical modeling scene. Readers will be astonished that despite Harriet’s unfortunate accidents that she comes on on top. Instant hit for any young teen who can’t get enough of Disney Channel shows, as this sounds like a perfect tv series.
The third in the series, Picture Perfect will be out in January 2016.
Notes: Seriously, no language, sex, or anything controversial! A natural crossover for tweens or upper elementary for gentle/clean/green light read.
