The Actual Real Reality of Jennifer James

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY JUL 17, 2006

First-time author Shields sets her energetic, hilarious spoof of reality TV in a public British school, and introduces narrator Jennifer James, the "most unpopular person in her class." A TV crew and group of celebrities cause quite a stir in Jennifer's community, when they descend upon London Road Comprehensive to document the goings-on of the school's faculty and students. To add to the fun, the producers are running a Survivor-type competition that will result in fabulous prizes for some, and humiliating elimination for others and in the process they will raise funds for a charity that helps terminally ill children. Much to her shock, Jennifer's peers elect her to be one of 12 contestants, eligible to win a full scholarship to a prestigious boarding school ("one with a proper uniform and 'Houses' named after obscure dead people"). The only trick will be to gain enough votes to keep in the running. Quickly winning the status of token nerd and underdog, Jennifer endears herself to the public, and her hopes begin to soar until she grows suspicious that the contest is fixed and worse. Jennifer's quick-witted, lively narrative gives a blow-by-blow account of celebrities teaching classes, teachers dolling themselves up for the camera, protesters chaining themselves to trees, and students one-upping each other to win votes. Whether readers love or despise reality shows, all will alternately laugh and cheer Jennifer on as she learns some lessons about fame. Ages 12-up.