The Princesses of Atlantis - Hardcover

Grade 5-8 Best friends Carly and Arlene used to spend Friday nights together writing novels, but as they enter seventh grade, their relationship begins to change. Carly becomes interested in boys, clothes, and the popular kids in school, while Arlene continues to ignore her appearance and present long explanations in class, even when other kids make fun of her. Carly's desire to fit in gets her into trouble, but the consequences of her actions, along with her forced involvement in the school play as punishment for skipping class, make her evaluate who her real friends are and who she wants to be. This narrative alternates with the story the girls are writing about twin princesses during the destruction of Atlantis, and the relationship between them parallels and reflects the changing relationship and ultimate reconciliation between Carly and Arlene. This realistic depiction of adolescence benefits from detailed characterizations and clearly drawn supporting characters. Carly's teacher's interest in her is an unusual and heartening touch, and the fantasy within the story is well constructed and adds to this book's appeal. This is a good choice for girls who feel that no one is ever as confused about growing up as they are, and may catch the attention of reluctant readers. -Beth L. Meister, Queens Borough Public Library, Flushing, NY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 5-7. Twelve-year-olds Arlene and Carly have been best friends since second grade, but things are beginning to change. They continue writing their novel about twin princesses in Atlantis, but trouble erupts when Carly gets a crush on Zack and becomes friends with a new girl in school, who just might get Carly in with the cool crowd. Juxtaposed with this realistic thread is the fantasy story the girls are writing. The girls' "real-life" experiences are believable, though Carly's eventual epiphany is a little too tidy, and their novel, pure purple prose filled with cliches and illogically dramatic bits of action, is just what you might expect from young authors. Middle-graders will relate to Arlene and Carly's realistic reactions to the ups and downs of friendship and the effects of burgeoning hormones; some may even be inspired to try writing their own adventure tales. Sally Estes
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