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$1766

Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2014 · Est. 6 hour read

Maya Van Wagenen, a shy middle schooler, embarks on a daring experiment to climb the social ladder by following a 1950s popularity guide. Armed with curlers and pearls, she navigates the unpredictable world of teenage social dynamics. Will this retro advice help her become popular, or lead to unexpected chaos? Maya's journey is filled with humor, embarrassment, and surprising insights, challenging her understanding of what it truly means to fit in. Discover if vintage wisdom can solve modern dilemmas in this heartfelt memoir of self-discovery and resilience.

From the publisher

2015 YALSA Award for Excellence in NonfictionNew York Times Bestseller A breakout teen author explores the true meaning of popularity and how to survive middle school in this hysterically funny, touchingly honest contemporary memoir. “I was inspired by [Maya’s] journey and made a point of saving a copy of ‘Popular’ for my sister, who starts middle school this fall. Maybe if I had read it when I was her age, it could have saved me from a world of hurt, or at least put that world in perspective.” –Maude Apatow, New York Times Book Review Can curlers, girdles, Vaseline, and a strand of pearls help a shy girl become popular? Maya Van Wagenen is about to find out. Stuck near the bottom of the social ladder at “pretty much the lowest level of people at school who aren’t paid to be here,” Maya has never been popular. But before starting eighth grade, she decides to begin a unique social experiment: spend the school year following a 1950s popularity guide, written by former teen model Betty Cornell. The real-life results are hilarious, painful, and filled with unexpected surprises. Told with humor and grace, Maya’s journey offers readers of all ages a thoroughly contemporary example of kindness and self-confidence, along with a better understanding of what it means to be popular.

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