Second Skin by Jessica Wollman

July 7, 2009

Appearances can be deceiving. Sam Klein’s found that out firsthand. All she wanted was to be popular. But sometimes what we want is the absolute worst thing for us. Sam discovers that Kylie, It-girl of Woodlawn High, owes her popular status not to her expensive clothes, highlighted hair, and spot on the cheerleading squad but to a magical second skin. Nobody can actually see it—but they can feel it. And if you’re wearing the skin, you feel incredible. Invincible. Popularity is yours. So Sam stole the skin from Kylie. Now she’s the most popular girl at school, while Kylie’s social life takes a serious hit. Sam can barely recognize herself. Her old geek clique is history—but are her new friends really people she can count on? The skin is clinging tighter to her each day . . . can Sam get it off before it’s too late?

One of the best things about this book is that any one of us can relate to this story. Who hasn't, if only for a moment, wanted to be someone else? I mean hello???? Where do you think the phrase "The grass is always greener" came from? We've all been there, whether it's money, looks or personality we've all secretly wished we had "it" from time to time!

Sam Klein isn't popular or unpopular...she's that girl that if someone points her out you might say "Does she even go to our school?" She has her two best friends, Gwen who gets teased for being chubby, but is on track to being the next Martha Stewart and Alex, kinda nerdy but cute and an expert on all things outer space. Sam's parents aren't helping her out either because they are all about recycling, saving the seals, and not shopping at any giant retail shops that use cheap labor, which of course pretty much includes every popular brand out there. So, when the opportunity to nab the Skin arises...of course she takes it!

This is a really fun, quick read that is not at all heavy handed, but is definitely a cautionary tale about what can happen when we wish for things that seem really great...until we get them.

With an eye-catching cover and a great story this book is sure to be a hit with middle school and high school chick-lit fans!

Score: 4 points