Switched

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY JUL 9, 2007

Wollman turns a potentially clich d premise two look-alike teens from dissimilar backgrounds trade places into an entertaining and thoughtful novel. Laura has grown up helping her single mother clean houses, hating "having to stick her hands into other people's lives" and feeling invisible to her wealthy employers. Willa, who has just flunked out of the posh boarding school from which all her relatives graduated, is constantly being criticized by her oh-so-proper parents for her weight, dress and attitude and feels as though she is "simply leading the wrong life." When Laura and her mother are hired by Willa's parents to look after their mansion while they're away (sans daughter), the girls hatch a plan to switch lives. Studious Laura will pose as Willa at her new boarding school and Willa will live in the apartment Laura shares with her mother (who conveniently has taken an extended trip with her fianc ), assuming Laura's house-cleaning responsibilities. Laura blossoms at private school, impressing a history teacher who urges her to apply to a prestigious college and falling in love with a boy whose parents are friends of Willa's family. And in her new life, Willa finally gains confidence and discovers her true passion and skill as a car mechanic. Although the girls' ruse is ultimately uncovered, all ends happily for both. Despite some unlikely twists of plot, Wollman creates credible characters who should endear themselves to readers. Ages 12-up.