Anderson, Laurie Halse. Prom

Kliatt, March, 2005 by Paula Rohrlick

ANDERSON, Laurie Halse. Prom. Penguin, Viking. 224p. c2005.0-670-05974-9. $16.99. S*

Ashley, age 18, can't wait to get out of her Philadelphia high school, and she certainly couldn't care less about the upcoming prom. All she cares about is her boyfriend, TJ, even if he is somewhat unreliable, and getting away from her crowded and wacky, if loving, home. But when her math teacher (aka "Miss Felony Crane") steals the prom money and Ashley's best friend, Nat, who is the prom organizer, is devastated, Ashley reluctantly comes to Nat's rescue and helps her figure out how they can hold the prom after all. In between her job serving pizza in a rat costume at EZ-CHEEZ-E, minding her younger brothers for her pregnant mother, and evading detention and the school's nasty vice principal, who has it in for her, Ashley manages to save the day, with humor and flair.

Anderson, the award-winning author of Speak and other serious YA novels, has concocted a delightful confection here, full of laughs, warmth, and teenage dialog so true to life you might have heard it in the hall on the way to math class. Realistic, funny and touching, this is a treat that will be relished despite its somewhat predictable plot. For older teenage girls who have enjoyed the Princess Diaries books; there are a few profanities and references to sex here, making it more appropriate for mature readers. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.