From Publishers Weekly
Pop fiction takes on a new meaning as teen singing sensation Spears and her mother, Lynne, produce a slight and treacly co-written rags-to-riches tale. Holly Faye Lovell lives with her mother, Wanda, in tiny Biscay, Miss. The 14-year-old enjoys life in the slow lane and entertains dreams of singing stardom. Though she performs in the church choir and at local events, Holly lacks the self-confidence (and opportunity) to develop her talent. All that changes when her loyal, car-mechanic boyfriend helps secure her an audition at the prestigious Haverty School of Music in Hattiesburg and she is offered a full scholarship. But at Haverty, Holly's provincial ways (and wardrobe, hand-stitched by her mom) make her a target for a bevy of wealthy snobs ("students whose parents had the big bucks to afford it. Holly and Wanda had little bucks"). The didactic melodrama unfolds in fast-paced, if sometimes jerky, prose, and a good share of it centers on Wanda (who keeps a diary). In the climax, the woman reveals a long-held secret to Holly, hinted at in the opening chapter. The Spearses convey credible feelings of teenage anxiety throughout, and Britney's fans will surely flock to this title (enticed by a jacket that highlights her name and suggests her likeness). But ultimately, they will be disappointed that the fictional Holly begs comparison with, but is far less memorable than, the real navel-baring singer. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From the Inside Flap
Holly Faye Lovell sure can sing. Everyone in Biscay, Mississippi, knows that. And when at fourteen she becomes the youngest student ever to win a scholarship to the prestigious Haverty School of Music, her dream of pursuing a singing career is on its way. But for the first time in her life, Holly must leave behind her mother, Wanda. Although they don?t have much in the way of money, there?s always been plenty of love . . . and there?s always been Wanda?s birthmark, an ugly red scar on the side of her face that makes people who don?t know her turn away. Now that Holly's off with her posh new friends and new life, she?s ashamed to find herself embarrassed by her mom and their humble background. And Wanda finds herself wanting to reveal a long-hidden secret . . . a secret that could destroy their bond forever.
A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to The Britney Spears Foundation.
From the Hardcover edition.
