Sandoval, Lynda. Who's your daddy?

Kliatt, Jan, 2005 by Stephanie Squicciarini

SANDOVAL, Lynda. Who's your daddy? Simon & Schuster, Pulse. 318p. c2004. 0-68986440-X. $6.99. JS

"Sometimes, through no fault of your own, but based on who happened to bring you into the world, you become a social mutant with no foreseeable remedy beyond changing your identity and disappearing forever." So begins this fun book by an author known for adult romance titles. Through a humorous look at three best friends, Meryl, Caressa, and Lila, Sandoval brings authentic voices to a growing number of "chick lit" books. Each of the three friends has a father (a police chief, the school disciplinarian/football coach, and a Grammy-winning musician) who seemingly scares away potential boyfriends. So the girls try a little spiritual assistance to point them in the direction of the boys who are meant for them (and dates for the Junior Prom).

Lila, the daughter of the police chief, is caught in a self-described entrepreneurial scheme involving forged parent letters for classmates and is the main voice of the story. But the voices of Meryl and Caressa are clearly and humorously shared with readers through alternating viewpoint chapters, e-mails, and instant messages as the girls eventually come to realize that they are not totally cursed by who their fathers are. A laugh-out-loud novel for readers who enjoy Meg Cabot, Louise Rennison, and Cathy Hopkins. Lynda Sandoval is an author to watch. Stephanie Squicciarini, Teen Services Libn., Fairport P.L., Fairport, NY

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.