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Plastic Polly
Popularity has its pitfalls, and Polly is discovering them firsthand in this middle-grade M!X novel.
Polly Pierce likes being the second-most popular girl at Winston Academy, right after her BFF, Kelsy. Popularity comes with special privileges, like a seat at the best table in the cafeteria and a coveted spot on the planning committee for the school’s big talent show competition, Groove It Up! And since all Polly has to do is agree with whatever Kelsy says, being popular is easy—even if kids do call her “Plastic Polly” behind her back.
But when a freak accident takes Kelsy out of the picture, Polly is suddenly in charge of the Groove It Up! committee. She’s not prepared for her new status—and neither is anyone else. Backstabbing friends, an intimidating crush, and diva demands from an injured Kelsy all threaten to derail Polly’s plans. Can she prove to everyone—and herself—that she has a personality of her own?
Polly Pierce likes being the second-most popular girl at Winston Academy, right after her BFF, Kelsy. Popularity comes with special privileges, like a seat at the best table in the cafeteria and a coveted spot on the planning committee for the school’s big talent show competition, Groove It Up! And since all Polly has to do is agree with whatever Kelsy says, being popular is easy—even if kids do call her “Plastic Polly” behind her back.
But when a freak accident takes Kelsy out of the picture, Polly is suddenly in charge of the Groove It Up! committee. She’s not prepared for her new status—and neither is anyone else. Backstabbing friends, an intimidating crush, and diva demands from an injured Kelsy all threaten to derail Polly’s plans. Can she prove to everyone—and herself—that she has a personality of her own?
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2013
12 people are currently reading
1075 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Lundquist
8 books457 followersJenny Lundquist is the author of seven middle grade and young adult titles including Seeing Cinderella and The Charming Life of Izzy Malone, as well as The Princess in the Opal Mask. Like any good California girl, she enjoys wine tasting, parasailing on Lake Tahoe, spontaneous trips to the sea, and wearing too many layers any time she ventures to places where it’s actually cold. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University and lives in Northern California with her family and their rescue pup, Ollie the Wonderdog, who occasionally makes unscheduled appearances at Jenny’s virtual school visits. A typical day in Jenny’s life includes consuming copious amounts of coffee and managing multiple kid and canine distractions while writing about wonder and whimsy in worlds both real and imagined.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 19, 2013
I really loved Jenny Lundquist's other middle-grade novel Seeing Cinderella, so I was super excited to dive into her new book Plastic Polly, and Lundquist has once again captured the world of tweens with honesty, humor, and heart.
Polly is the second most popular girl in her middle school and the right hand gal to her BFF (and reigning queen bee), Kelsey. Polly enjoys being popular and all the privileges that come with it, like a seat at the Court in the cafeteria, invites to all the best parties, the envy of her peers, and getting to plan the annual Groove It Up. Groove It Up is a yearly talent competition between Polly's school and the other middle school in town, and this year's prizes include an exclusive concert from the famous Shattered Stars. Kelsey is the Groove It Up PlanMaster, until an accident lands Kelsey in the hospital and out of school for three weeks. As her second in command, Polly becomes the new PlanMaster, but she quickly learns that being popular isn't as great or easy as she once thought. Polly must deal with mean backstabbing frenemies, a complicated crush, a difficult mother, and a former BFF, all while trying to prove that she's more than Plastic Polly.
Plastic Polly does something that not many middle-grade books do: it focuses on a main character that is considered popular and not an outsider. I'll admit that I was a bit hesitant when I realized this because I tend to be a fan of the outcast, underdog characters, but I was pleasantly surprised with what Lundquist did with Polly and her story.
Lundquist knows how to capture the tween and young teen voice perfectly. And the middle school world she has created is pretty spot on. The tension between the popular kids, the brainy kids, and the artsy kids is crafted with unabashed honesty and realism (but always remains appropriate for its intended audience). The kids in this book act and talk like very real middle schoolers, which I think readers, especially young readers, will really appreciate. And Lundquist doesn't glorify or encourage the often nasty and mean behavior of her characters. I really like the way that this mean and bullyish behavior isn't limited to the popular kids; the unpopular kids are just as guilty of judging and insulting others as well.
Polly turned out to be a really fabulous character. With Polly, Lundquist has given a voice to what so many young people want and desire: to simply be accepted for who they are. Polly is smart, determined, brave, and kind, but she makes mistakes and doesn't always do the right thing, making her relatable and likable and easy to connect with. Polly's journey from follower Plastic Polly to strong, capable Polly with a voice of her own, is one that younger readers will be inspired by and parents will feel good about.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Plastic Polly surprised me in the best way possible! Jenny Lundquist has used her dazzling writing talent to weave a story that is full of laughs, heart, and memorable characters. This book left me with a happy heart and big smile.
Polly is the second most popular girl in her middle school and the right hand gal to her BFF (and reigning queen bee), Kelsey. Polly enjoys being popular and all the privileges that come with it, like a seat at the Court in the cafeteria, invites to all the best parties, the envy of her peers, and getting to plan the annual Groove It Up. Groove It Up is a yearly talent competition between Polly's school and the other middle school in town, and this year's prizes include an exclusive concert from the famous Shattered Stars. Kelsey is the Groove It Up PlanMaster, until an accident lands Kelsey in the hospital and out of school for three weeks. As her second in command, Polly becomes the new PlanMaster, but she quickly learns that being popular isn't as great or easy as she once thought. Polly must deal with mean backstabbing frenemies, a complicated crush, a difficult mother, and a former BFF, all while trying to prove that she's more than Plastic Polly.
Plastic Polly does something that not many middle-grade books do: it focuses on a main character that is considered popular and not an outsider. I'll admit that I was a bit hesitant when I realized this because I tend to be a fan of the outcast, underdog characters, but I was pleasantly surprised with what Lundquist did with Polly and her story.
Lundquist knows how to capture the tween and young teen voice perfectly. And the middle school world she has created is pretty spot on. The tension between the popular kids, the brainy kids, and the artsy kids is crafted with unabashed honesty and realism (but always remains appropriate for its intended audience). The kids in this book act and talk like very real middle schoolers, which I think readers, especially young readers, will really appreciate. And Lundquist doesn't glorify or encourage the often nasty and mean behavior of her characters. I really like the way that this mean and bullyish behavior isn't limited to the popular kids; the unpopular kids are just as guilty of judging and insulting others as well.
Polly turned out to be a really fabulous character. With Polly, Lundquist has given a voice to what so many young people want and desire: to simply be accepted for who they are. Polly is smart, determined, brave, and kind, but she makes mistakes and doesn't always do the right thing, making her relatable and likable and easy to connect with. Polly's journey from follower Plastic Polly to strong, capable Polly with a voice of her own, is one that younger readers will be inspired by and parents will feel good about.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Plastic Polly surprised me in the best way possible! Jenny Lundquist has used her dazzling writing talent to weave a story that is full of laughs, heart, and memorable characters. This book left me with a happy heart and big smile.
August 3, 2017
Welll developed characters and plot..a must read for 11-14 year old girls💞
April 4, 2013
I loved PLASTIC POLLY as much even though it was completely contemporary and took me to a foreign part of the middle school world—the most popular crowd. Trust me, I was miles from that. But I could really relate to Polly, who tries to find her true self while keeping her “position” in the popular clique and juggling her friendship with Kelsey and her feelings for their once best friend Alyssa. Jenny just did such a great job transporting us to that world. I read the book in a day.
April 20, 2013
I love Lundquist's writing style and characters. At first I just couldn't relate to Polly and felt mildly annoyed by her "popular persona," but as I got to know her, she reminded me what it's like to be in jr. high. This book was so fun that I was really sad when I finished it.
March 24, 2013
A dazzling, literary story I will recommend to everyone! I'm in awe of the prowess with which the author navigates the world of middle school. This novel has heart and soul. I'm a big fan of her debut, Seeing Cinderella, and this sophomore novel didn't disappoint!
June 12, 2015
This book was AMAZING! If you like the Dork Diaries Series, you'll like this book too.
October 25, 2023
Polly Pierce is the second most popular girl at Winston Academy, and she's perfectly fine with just going along with whatever her best friend Kelsey say she should do. But after Kelsey gets injured, Polly is left to plan Groove It Up, her school's talent competition, and she has no idea how she's going to do it! As the competition gets closer and Polly is presented with more and more problems, she will have to decide if she wants to please everybody else or find her own voice.
Overall I liked this book a lot. Although I was a little worried at the beginning that I wouldn't like Polly as a character, I ended up liking her a lot more as the story progressed. I also liked the message that's presented here about not being a follower and finding your own voice. If you know a middle-schooler who enjoys contemporary school stories, they will most likely enjoy Plastic Polly.
Overall I liked this book a lot. Although I was a little worried at the beginning that I wouldn't like Polly as a character, I ended up liking her a lot more as the story progressed. I also liked the message that's presented here about not being a follower and finding your own voice. If you know a middle-schooler who enjoys contemporary school stories, they will most likely enjoy Plastic Polly.
December 4, 2017
While this middle school story didn't pull me in like the last of this author's I read, it's a topic more geared to teenagers who may find it helpful. I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 4* rating. The topic of being in the popular group, which I didn't worry about too much in school, is somewhat tied in with bullying these days. School has changed so much since I have been in.
April 11, 2019
The book I read was plastic Polly by Jenny lundquist. It was a about a girl named polly who struggled between choosing her best friends. one of her friends wanted to be popular and her friend Allyssa wanted to not be popular. at the beginning of the story polly chooses popularity but through out the book she wonders if she made the right choice. if you want to find out what happened read the book. You should also read the book If you like drama or need advice about friendships. I rate this book 5/5 especially because it appeals to young adults.
March 24, 2013
Eighth grade is tough, especially if you’re popular.
Polly Pierce likes being popular, even if it means being called Plastic Polly by Alyssa who used to be her best friend. Her other best friend, Kelsey, is in charge of planning The Groove It Up talent competition this year. As Queen of the Court, the nickname for the popular crowd at Winston Academy, whatever Kelsey says goes. A live performance on Good Morning, Maple Oaks is the grand prize this year so the girls are determined to beat their rival school, American River Charter, no matter what the cost. But when Kelsey gets hurt and is unable to plan the event, Polly must step in and take over.
As PlanMaster of the committee, Polly must deal with backstabbing friends, girls vying for place as Queen of the Court and misunderstandings that snowball into big problems. Wanting to get past her reputation as Plastic Polly for always following the crowd, Polly paves her own way hoping it will lead to victory for Winston Academy.
Jenny Lundquist is a fantastic writer of middle grade fiction. She creates a world so real I’m back in eighth grade myself, right down to the smell of the lunchroom and the constant desire to simply be accepted by peers. I like that Polly is in no way perfect and neither are her friends or family. Her relationship with her parents is flawed and real. What she experiences with friends is authentic and lifelike. Jenny has a firm grasp on what this age group deals with and communicates it beautifully on paper. Her books are a must read for all ages.
Polly Pierce likes being popular, even if it means being called Plastic Polly by Alyssa who used to be her best friend. Her other best friend, Kelsey, is in charge of planning The Groove It Up talent competition this year. As Queen of the Court, the nickname for the popular crowd at Winston Academy, whatever Kelsey says goes. A live performance on Good Morning, Maple Oaks is the grand prize this year so the girls are determined to beat their rival school, American River Charter, no matter what the cost. But when Kelsey gets hurt and is unable to plan the event, Polly must step in and take over.
As PlanMaster of the committee, Polly must deal with backstabbing friends, girls vying for place as Queen of the Court and misunderstandings that snowball into big problems. Wanting to get past her reputation as Plastic Polly for always following the crowd, Polly paves her own way hoping it will lead to victory for Winston Academy.
Jenny Lundquist is a fantastic writer of middle grade fiction. She creates a world so real I’m back in eighth grade myself, right down to the smell of the lunchroom and the constant desire to simply be accepted by peers. I like that Polly is in no way perfect and neither are her friends or family. Her relationship with her parents is flawed and real. What she experiences with friends is authentic and lifelike. Jenny has a firm grasp on what this age group deals with and communicates it beautifully on paper. Her books are a must read for all ages.
November 17, 2013
This is the story about finding your true self and standing up for who you are no matter what people around you say or think about you.
Plastic Polly is packed with emotional conflict and challenges. It reminded me of how harsh middle school can be. I have no clue what it feels like to be popular but I was once an Alyssa and it pinched my heart reading about the broken friendships. I love the fact that I got a glimpse into the life of a popular middle school girl. No matter what side you're on it's not easy. The pressure Polly was willing to put herself under just to belong with the popular crowd was heavy. Meanwhile Kelsey (who wears the popular girl attitude like a skin) was more than happy to welcome her unplanned time off from everything middle school related. The high stakes paired with the "failures" made Polly's journey to self acceptance in addition to finding her own voice pretty powerful.
The voice in this book is loud and the characters stay with you long after you've done reading it. I'm definitely saving a copy for my daughter to read.
The only thing the child in me found missing? A really good payback to the mean girls.
Plastic Polly is packed with emotional conflict and challenges. It reminded me of how harsh middle school can be. I have no clue what it feels like to be popular but I was once an Alyssa and it pinched my heart reading about the broken friendships. I love the fact that I got a glimpse into the life of a popular middle school girl. No matter what side you're on it's not easy. The pressure Polly was willing to put herself under just to belong with the popular crowd was heavy. Meanwhile Kelsey (who wears the popular girl attitude like a skin) was more than happy to welcome her unplanned time off from everything middle school related. The high stakes paired with the "failures" made Polly's journey to self acceptance in addition to finding her own voice pretty powerful.
The voice in this book is loud and the characters stay with you long after you've done reading it. I'm definitely saving a copy for my daughter to read.
The only thing the child in me found missing? A really good payback to the mean girls.
November 20, 2016
Lundquist, Jenny Plastic Polly, 231 pages. Aladdin Mix (Simon), 2015. $7. Content: G.
When Polly and her two best friends enter middle school, Polly decided to join the popular crowd with Kelsey, instead of the Dungeon (where the artistic types hang out) with her friend Alyssa. Now Kelsey is supposed to be the PlanMaster of the annual talent show contest between their school and their rivals. When Kelsey is injured, however, Polly has to take over and she is not sure (nor is anyone else) that she is good for anything except for doing what Kelsey tells her to do. The key to finding her way may be to apologize to Alyssa – can Polly do that, or is she really the Plastic girl everyone says she is?
Lundquist knows all about the insecurities of middle school girls. Her voice, while exaggerated (I think, because after 26 years of teaching middle school I still don’t really see this extreme), is authentic, exposing the insecurities and stereotypes of growing up. Don’t dismiss this pink cover!
EL - OPTIONAL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
When Polly and her two best friends enter middle school, Polly decided to join the popular crowd with Kelsey, instead of the Dungeon (where the artistic types hang out) with her friend Alyssa. Now Kelsey is supposed to be the PlanMaster of the annual talent show contest between their school and their rivals. When Kelsey is injured, however, Polly has to take over and she is not sure (nor is anyone else) that she is good for anything except for doing what Kelsey tells her to do. The key to finding her way may be to apologize to Alyssa – can Polly do that, or is she really the Plastic girl everyone says she is?
Lundquist knows all about the insecurities of middle school girls. Her voice, while exaggerated (I think, because after 26 years of teaching middle school I still don’t really see this extreme), is authentic, exposing the insecurities and stereotypes of growing up. Don’t dismiss this pink cover!
EL - OPTIONAL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
April 4, 2013
Plastic Polly is the #2 popular girl in middle school at Winston Academy. Most popular is Polly's best friend, Kelsey, who doesn't take to those who would differ with her. Polly is quite comfortable being a follower until she is forced to look at the reality of things. Mending a broken relationship, living up to her mom's expectations and suddenly finding herself as the PlanMaster for the most important event in Maple Oaks presents some challenging character building opportunities.
Jenny Lundquist holds strong to her inner-middle-school persona in this book, her second, for that awkward age-group. With lines like, "My voice is so sugary, I'm probably giving myself cavities," how could you not feel the attitude with angst that surrounds a young girl trying to find her own path.
This book is a must for all girls (or boys who need a clue) who are in or looking towards middle school.
Jenny Lundquist holds strong to her inner-middle-school persona in this book, her second, for that awkward age-group. With lines like, "My voice is so sugary, I'm probably giving myself cavities," how could you not feel the attitude with angst that surrounds a young girl trying to find her own path.
This book is a must for all girls (or boys who need a clue) who are in or looking towards middle school.
January 25, 2014
After enjoying Seeing Cinderella so much, I thought that this would be good as well... Sadly , this is not the case. Polly never really endeared herself to me and it's hard to imagine that these 12 or 13 year olds are 1) the bitchiest girls on the planet and 2)behaving this way.
Polly also annoyed with her constant reminders that she is smart... Really? Cause you seem a bit stupid about so many things, who are you trying to convince yourself or us? The girl seems to have no original thoughts.
I think this would have been better if it were set in high school not middle school.
Polly also annoyed with her constant reminders that she is smart... Really? Cause you seem a bit stupid about so many things, who are you trying to convince yourself or us? The girl seems to have no original thoughts.
I think this would have been better if it were set in high school not middle school.
March 25, 2013
Heartwarming and spunky, Plastic Polly whisked me back to junior high, a world where the popular kids rule it all (or at least think they do). Polly is a great read for anyone who likes snarky middle grade fiction with heart. I definitely recommend this one.
August 19, 2015
Love this author's middle school themed books. Characters might be a little exaggerated but the situations are realistic and give so much to talk to my almost middle school daughter about being true to herself and kind to others! Wish this author had more books in this genre.
June 1, 2013
I love the way Jenny Lundquist writes.
December 26, 2012
Sent to my granddaughters for Christmas. Hoping to hear back what they thought. Books went out to North Carolina and Washington.
December 30, 2013
Love love love. It's for YA
February 25, 2014
I thought it was written quite well, the characters were quite alright, and I overall enjoyed this book.
February 2, 2013
I gave this book to my 10 year old niece, and she just loved it. She is very excited to read the other books by Jenny Lundquist.
This is a Goodreads win.
This is a Goodreads win.
March 18, 2013
Fun, easy read. I read this one in one sitting. I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed it. I see myself in Polly and it took me back to middle school. Full review to come.
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May 22, 2013I love this book because u miss your mom and dad
April 13, 2013
A phenomenal read. Polly's journey from follower to leader is inspiring. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good middle grade story.
May 23, 2013
The emotions in this book felt very authentic. I want my daughter to read it before starting middle school in the fall.
July 12, 2013
I thought this was a very good fluffy book it was nothing amazing there were some good quotes but I just wish that Jenna and Melinda wud get what they deserved at the end
September 21, 2013
Te book was awesome it was interesting and a bit confusing at the same time. If that makes any sense.
February 21, 2015
Loved it!
This book is just awesome. Unexplainably awesome. But 20 words are required, so... I guess I can say: read it, you'll regret it if you don't!
This book is just awesome. Unexplainably awesome. But 20 words are required, so... I guess I can say: read it, you'll regret it if you don't!
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February 28, 2016i love this story
April 6, 2013
Can't wait to read Jenny Lundquist's latest!
Looking forward to this one!
Looking forward to this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews