Jessica Barondes

With a little fantasy and a girl with a big heart, this is a cute story about learning how to love yourself and seeing that maybe someone else's life isn't quite as great as you thought it was.

This movie on which this book is based is actually one I haven't seen. So, I hit this tale with fresh, new eyes. It starts off with Hayley, a fourteen-year-old high schooler, who gets wonderful grades, dances to her own tune, and isn't popular because of it. Her older sister is the opposite. She slides by on the grade front and is extremely popular. When a shooting star has Hayley wishing that she could be more like her older sister, she never dreams that she'll wake up as her older sister the next morning.

The story isn't really a new one—one teen wishes she was someone else in the family, and a bit of magic makes this wish come true. That chaos ensues and all sorts of unexpected (and often humorous) moments happen isn't a surprise either. Still, this type of story never really gets old. Hayley is a fun girl, who isn't overly concerned about her own appearance or how to impress people. Still, a bit of her wants to be popular. Maybe. And this is something many teens can relate to. I was a little surprised at how well and quickly the two girls came to terms with the switch-a-roo, but then, this is a shorter read, which allows for just as much fun in the tale as character depth.

The high school moments do remind of Disney, which I don't mind. And it throws this read from a solid young adult into more of a middle grade/tween novel. The situations are ones readers will relate to and understand. Some things like the mean-girl group are a little cliche, but it's also something which will resonate with many readers. The messages of finding true friendship, strengthening self-esteem, and sibling relations are warming and inspiring, making this also a wholesome read. I can see many kids enjoying this one...especially when they know it connects with a movie, too.

I received an ARC and enjoyed every page.… (plus d'informations)