Four Truths and a Lie

by Lauren Barnholdt

Eighth grader Scarlett is boy crazy -- and not just a little boy crazy. We're talking seriously, utterly, completely, 100-percent boy crazy! So much so that her mother, in an effort to curb Scarlett's enthusiasm, ships her off to a prestigious all-girls charter school. Scarlett thinks her life is absolutely over. But what she doesn't know is that her life is about to get absolutely interesting, because on her desk in her dorm room she finds a letter. The letter says it contains four truths and a lie -- and Scarlett's reputation depends on determining which is which.... Maybe an all-girls school isn't so boring after all.

Genres: Romance, Middle Grade, Contemporary, Young Adult, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Sports

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[MayaM · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a book that I can understand because it was based on a middle schooler. This was a really good book and very exciting! I want to know if there is a sequel! So a girl named Scarlett goes to a new school because of her dads "incident" and she doesn't want anyone to know. She gets letters telling her to see if its a lie or truth. It was Crissa and her ex boyfriend who did it, but James is actually good! Crissa just turns out to be misunderstood and a good person who has rough times. Scarlett makes a friend named Amber, and makes it onto the basketball team!-Summary

This was a good book and I will read it again someday!

[Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlet's dad is a theif. When the people at her school figured out, they began to hate her. Even her best friend Brianna. So she decided that she needed a fresh start. She got accepted into a boarding school for girls. The academics are tough and her roomate is mean. But thats just the begining. In English class when they start "stranger writing" everything goes downhill. Just from a game, four truths and a lie. I recommend this book to any girl who likes books about girls that have to deal with difficult things in their life.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't really my taste. I thought the characters were prissy and bitchy and had a hard time trying to connect with them. Despite the intriguing synopsis on the back about her having a "secret" and if she did not participate in this crazy "game" she was "destined for darkness" (not really), this book was pretty boring and seemed to drag out.

[Alicja :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jakie tutaj się niespodziewane rzeczy wydarzyły to było zaskakująco fajne

[Annah Stevenson]

THIS BOOK IS SOOOOOOOO GOOD AGONAEIPUGBPAEUBGp

[Erin H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

1/12/11

I am going to start this book tonight and I can't wait because it sounds so good!!!

1/17/11

I am on page 155 of the book Four Truths and a Lie. I am really enjoying this book!!!!!!!

In the book, Scarlett is sent to an all girls Charter school where her roomate Crissa is very unwelcoming. Crissa's mom is a neat freak and always "visits' unexpected. I predict that in the end Crissa and Scarlett will become BFF'S because Sacrlett is really nice and wants to make new friends.

1/23/11

I finished the book, Four Truths and a Lie. I loved this book. I actually think that the author, Lauren Barnholdt is really great because all of the books I have read by her, I have really loved!!

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over and over again when I was a child. Like to the point I taped the cover back on. This book was with me at all times and I was so obsessed with it. I’m pretty sure this is the one where the main character reads catcher in the rye. So here I am, 12 years later as a senior in college making an account on here just to review this book. I have to do an assignment for catcher in the rye for a class & it just pulled this memory from the depths of my brain. So if you’re thinking about it, please read this.

[Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay but to me the story wasn't my taste. It was too girly and sweet and your typical girly book. Maybe it's just the fact that I am too old for it but I didn't excatly enjoy this book though I don't regret reading it. However, I could argue it was a waste of time.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread my favorite childhood book and why is it so much better than all the tiktok books i’ve been reading recently. lauren barnholdt is definitely my favorite author just in the way she voices inner dialogue in such a realistic and funny manner. it’s like exactly how i would write and how my thoughts sound in my head. it makes it so easy to read. i wish she made this book a grown up version but it’s okay i still loved it and thought it was so cute.

[Gift Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I always find it astounding when I read a children's book, and l love it. Now, asides from Crissa's repentance, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So wonderfully written and worth every minute spent reading it.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one day.
It’s a cute story about pen pals.
Boarding school for middle school? No wonder everyone was a bit of a snob.
This may be safe enough to avoid a book ban.
There is a redesigned cover that’s really cute.
There. Four truths and a (lie)?

[milana waller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my last Aladdin m!x book by Lauren Barnhold;( I love her books because they have a great plot that is never predictable. Her books always surprise me and keep me entertained💛

[Meenu S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is sooooo interesting. I loved it. I spent most of the past 2 days reading this.

[Eyie275 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was 15 as my new beginning to love English. Now I'm 28 and still keep this book as my 1st favourite fiction's book ever. I love it!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Enjoyable and worth picking up!

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read many books by Lauren Barnholdt, 'Four Truths and a Lie' certainly lived up to expectations. Detailing the life of eighth grader Scarlett Northon, it delves into her friendship starved world as she starts school at a prestigious institution, the Brookline Academy for Girls. Without friends, she is relegated to being on the outskirts when she is so used to being part of the in-crowd. Not helping matters is the secret she is keeping about her father, as well as her unfriendly roommate, Crissa, who seems to be doing everything in her power to torpedo Scarlett's chances at s semblance of normalcy. Even when Scarlett tries to fit in by giving makeovers to the girls, she is shot down by the administration, saying that it is taking away from the academic environment she is now a part of at Brookline.

As she finds a friend and begins to feel more comfortable in her new surroundings, she is tested by a letter-writing activity that her English teacher assigns. Talking to a boy from the Brookline Academy for Boys seems innocent enough, until he threatens to reveal her father's secret, which she fears will once again alienate her from her classmates. How he found out about it keeps her wondering at first, until she realizes the truth behind the matter. The conflicts that ensue as the story progresses are realistic, and they challenge Scarlett to overcome her fears and realize that it isn't worth it to live in the past, worrying about her dad, when she could be moving forward with her own life.

Barnholdt's storytelling is interesting and the writing is a breeze to read through since she captures the angst and excitement of teenage life. Scarlett's journey progresses nicely and wraps up well. A recommended read for anyone who enjoys young adult literature.

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen,' A Young Adult Novel

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a girl who went to a boarding school. She was required to stay there due tp her father's orders. The main character, Scarlett, had trouble making friends. One of the most popular girls was being snotty, and teased Scarlett about it making her feel more uncomfortable. Throughout the story The popular girl, Corissa, is making Scarlett question her only friend, Tia, and makes her go through personal files which almost gets her arrested and expelled. With many strikes and challenges to find out the four truths and a lie, this could be messy.
I can relate to Scarlett how friends make you do things that you usually wouldn't do. Sometime peers aren't the best people. I feel if something bad comes your way you should be a leader and walk away from it. But, I understand how for some it can be quite difficult.
I loved this book. My favorite part was when Scarlett almost got caught for sneaking out of her room, and breaking into the principal's office to see if one of the girls had actually shoplifted. My least favorite part was when Scarlett and her best friend got into a huge fight her roommates brother. If I could change something it would be the way it ended. I wish it would have ended more shockingly but it didn't, and I guess that's okay.
I would recommend this to really girly girls who love a surprise. I would definitely recommend it to almost every girl I know. It teaches great things, and helps decide what a good choice and bad choice can do to you.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's weird how life plays out, one day everything is ordinary and the next you're living a whole new life. In the young adult novel 'Four Truths and A Lie' by Lauren Barnholdt this is what happens to the main protagonist Scarlett Northon. In the beginning of the book Scarlett is forced with the challenge of starting a new school, due to the fact that her father was involved in a huge scandal with work. But unlike every other book out there about similar situations the story is given a whole new twist when her teacher assigns her a pen pal from the boy's school nearby. Suddenly she's sneaking around and doing dangerous things just to protect her good name. But unlike Katniss Everdeen from 'The Hunger Games' Scarlett isn't just a determined young girl trying to solve something, Scarlett is a fashionable troublemaker which gives the book a less serious and more fun plot. While Katniss has to decide "if the odds are in her favor" Scarlett must decide how she's going to dress up her ugly Brookline Academy uniform or how on earth she's going to find out if her 2 teachers are dating. Scarlett is pushed to unbelievable limits throughout this book and must find out how far she is really willing to go for a stranger.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my childhood and upon re-reading, I was really surprised to see how much I still remembered from this. Clearly, it had a really big impact on me and it was delightful to find out this was the book where I found the spiel on the word "interesting".

Interesting is always a good choice, because it can mean anything. It could mean you hated it or loved it, or it could mean you found it inspiring or you found it uninspiring, but either way, you thought it was interesting.

That bit on the word "interesting" has always stuck with me and everytime I use it, I think on that passage, and I'm really glad I know where it's from again!

Anyways, this was so wholesome and I really want to read all these girly, fun middle school books again. I used to always read these in elementary school and I couldn't wait to go shopping with my friends at the mall too and put together cute outfits. And now I can! So cheers to being a teenage girl! I love how spunky this book is and how real it feels. I love the details on every outfit she wears. It's just so fun and now I'm super happy. Also Scarlett navigating boarding school reminded me that I should probably be more on top of my schoolwork, which is never a bad thing!

[Peace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Four Truths and a Lie by Lauren Barnholdt is by far my favorite book of all time. I love how everything played out and how her past ties up with everything. The story is about a girl named Scarllet who had to change schools because everyone hated since they found out her dad was a thief. Needing a fresh start she switched schools. She thought she was going to go to a regular school but no, her mom thought she was boy crazy so she was sent to an all girls boarding school. Everything was all fine and dandy except for her roommate who hates her for unknown reasons. She thought things were going to be alright. At least somewhat tolerable. That was until they started writing pen pals in English class. Four truths and one lie and she's the one that has to figure it out. I highly do recommend this book it's a mixture of mistery but a calm one. Anyone honestly can read this book and I recommend you do.

[Idalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful book to read. It is about a girl name Scarlett who goes to a boarding scool. Scarlett didn't get into boarding school because of her smarts, so she is way behind in her school work. Scarlett got into boarding school because of something her dad did. What did he do? That is what a girl named Chrissa wants to find out, why is Scarlett at this school? In ELA, Scarlett has a penpal, it just so happens her penpal is Chrissa's ex-boyfriend. Chrissa decides to play with Scarletts mind by playing a game with her. Apparently Chrissa knows exactly why Scarlett is going to this boarding school. Four truths and a lie. James, Scarletts penpal, is forced to play this game with her by Chrissa. James sends Scarlett five statements and Scarlett has to figure out which are the truths and which is the lie. If she plays the game wrong, her truth would be out.

[Kater Cheek · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character reminded me mostly of "Cher" from the nineties movie "Clueless." Scarlett is vain, and more interested in make-up, boys, and being popular than in studying. It felt as though her sense of discomfort came from the fact that she was a normal girl at a school of people like me.

Despite the fact that I don't have much in common with the main character, the book's breezy voice remained consistent throughout, and it eventually won me over through its authenticity, if for no other reason.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!!!!! This book has confusion of characters, bravery and dares, with a hint of betrayal! Amazing work Barnholdt!
When her friends at her school discover who her father is, they all hate her, even her best friend. She is accepted into a girls' boarding school for a fresh start. But things get off to a bad start. The girls are assigned to a boy from the counterpart boy school. Scarlet's pen pal is dangerous. He tells her to do things that could get he in trouble, disguised as a game called Four Truths and a Lie. Will her pen pal get her into trouble?

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for upper elementary girls! Scarlett is a typical 8th grader, loves boys, fashion and friends. She is sent to a private girls school where everything has changed. She plays basketball even though she doesn't like the sport, is behind in all her homework, and has no friends because she is the new girl in the class. Writing to a class assignment pen pal, she recieves notes telling a statement and Scarlett has to figure out with it is true or a lie, which get her in some trouble.

[StorySnoops · Rating 3 out of 5]

This compelling, quick and fun read will be highly appealing to middle school aged girls. Main character Scarlett is in eighth grade and deals with issues such as adjusting to a new school, making new friends, and struggling with challenging classes. She is somewhat of a fish out of water, in a school where academics are everything, and she doesn't fit in right away. The big secret Scarlett is trying to keep... (click for full review http://www.storysnoops.com/detail.php...)

[Yeji · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it, like legit, a hundred thousand gazillion times, yet i cant get sick of it. why? dunno.. its just good. it was my all time fave book back when i was in 5th grade. now? i still love it. actually, im now Scarlett's age, yet the book was written in a little younger-like style, compared to all the YA novels ive read, but i STILL. LOVE. IT. unbelievable. Lauren Barnholdt... you are truly something.

[Sabrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading it! Was soooo good! I could relate to it! I am going into 8th grade next year but not to an all girls private but I have to say her life sounds pretty fun with the makeovers and going onto basketball and not even knowing she would like it! This is the second time I read this book and I fell in love with it for a second time! I hope something in 8th grade wondefully or unexpectedly happens to me just as it did to Scarlett!

[Gayathri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a girl named Scarlett who transfers to a new school at the beginning of 8th grade, due to her father being involved in stealing money from his company . She starts this all girls school thinking that no one knows what her father did, but later, she gets blackmailed in a pen pal letter. It's four truths and a life. Scarlett has to figure them out before the truth about her father spills! I rate it 4 stars.

[Jennifer704 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book talks about a girl named Scarlett and her father is a theif, he stole money from his company, and it went on the news. Now the whole school that Scarlett goes to knows that her father is not a good guy, she gets isolated and goes to boarding school. She tries to get a fresh start but will it work?