Pink

Reader: Elise
Age: 15
Title: Pink
Author: Lili Wilkinson
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pub Date: 02/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teen's Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Breaking out of the bland model of most teen books, and was actually complex. Instead of a cheerleader whose secret was that she read comics, Ava was switched around in that she wanted more room to experiment with pink, and other fluffier things. Not only did the book have a mixed up aspect going for it, but all of the characters were complex, and reacted in surprising, but plausible ways.
Compelling aspects of the book: As Ava's problems kept stacking up, so did my interest. All of her issues came from her, so the reader could follow her actions and their consequences, without feeling like yelling and screaming at the character. In the end, the way she deals with her mess is utterly human, and realistic because it doesn't tie up all of the ends in a nice little bow, but is a conclusion.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: This book attracted me less because of the cover, and more because of the recommendation from John Green on the cover. However, the more I got into the book, the cooler the cover got, because it fit in, described the character, and introduced a theme that was pulled through the novel. The contrast was eye-catching, and the shadows around the lips made them almost 3-D.
Age Range: Under 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal