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Chloe by Design #5-8
Balancing Act
16-year-old Chloe Montgomery beat out the competition to win Teen Design Diva, but she already has another challenge to face tackling her internship. After winning the first season of the fashion reality show, Chloe is ready to start her job with a famous designer, Stefan Meyers, in New York City. But with an old crush and new challenges to contend with, Chloe discovers that fast-paced fashion industry isn't for the faint of heart. Will she be able to make it work, or will the balancing act prove to be too much for this budding designer?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
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358 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 2, 2015
Chloe By Design is apparently aimed at ages 9 - 12, but is about a 16-year-old who has landed an internship at one of the most popular fashion houses after winning a popular TV show. Chloe must deal with new roommates, a new crush and the stresses of proving herself in the internship. Firstly, the illustrations in the book were perhaps my favourite part, although they were pretty repetitive. The story, whilst I enjoyed the parts about the internship, just bored me. The main character, Chloe, was dull, a bit stupid and self-centered and the side characters weren't any better. In particular, her roommate Madison, who didn't like her for no reason at all was never explained. Throughout the book when a bitchy comment was made, I'd keep thinking that it would be resolved some way towards the end, that we'd find out what this girls problem was, but no. It was left open and we never had any explanation whatsoever as to why this girl hated Chloe so much. I particularly didn't like that the book often repeated facts. It wasn't as though the author was reminding us of a detail, but more that she simply forgot she'd told us, so told us repeatedly, which I found extremely irritating. The whole book is written in first person, so the "dear diary" sections that were interspersed throughout the book didn't seem necessary. They weren't adding any extra POV to the book, it just seemed like a different way to present the same information and it wasn't necessary at all. I'm not sure the age group of 9 - 12-year-olds was particularly accurate as the protagonist was 16 and essentially, in a place of work so it may have been more suitable for that age group. Either way, I didn't really like this book. If you liked the idea of the fashion world themes, you should probably check out Material Girls instead.
*I received a copy of this book for an honest review from NetGalley
*I received a copy of this book for an honest review from NetGalley
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January 19, 2016Title: Chloe by Design: Balancing Act
Author: Margaret Gurevich
Series: Chloe by Design #5?
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Pub Date: Sep 1, 2015
Genres: Middle grade, contemporary, fashion design
Source: NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
Format: e-ARC
Rating: good
Cover: 7\10
Review: on Goodreads
Even though it is not the first book in the series- I guess it is the fifth? - You can read it as if it's the first, since everything is recapped and explained. Sometimes, more than once.
It follows a teen, Cloe, who wins in a fashion competition on TV and the reward was an internship for Stefen Meyer in NY, and we see how she cope with her new job.
Chloe's love for fashion is apparent and appreciated throughout the novel. It is not hard to relate to her, she is nice and sometimes overwhelmed herself and try her best. I liked that she acts and behaves like an actual teen. And how she treats everyone politely, even the ones who are mean to her, is admirable.
One great concept was the whole " intern" thing, especially in fashion industries, it was the most interesting part of the book. Mainly, it focused on designing, but sometimes it showed different possibilities of what else one can do in the fashion industries. And I liked everyone she worked with, they were nice and didn't mind that she is a teen so they were open to her opinions.
I loved the illustrations and surprisingly, there many of them! But the diary entries were unnecessary and can be skipped.
Overall, it was a nice read, as long as fashion is an interest, even if a tiny interest. Perfect for young readers as well as teens.
Author: Margaret Gurevich
Series: Chloe by Design #5?
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Pub Date: Sep 1, 2015
Genres: Middle grade, contemporary, fashion design
Source: NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
Format: e-ARC
Rating: good
Cover: 7\10
Review: on Goodreads
Even though it is not the first book in the series- I guess it is the fifth? - You can read it as if it's the first, since everything is recapped and explained. Sometimes, more than once.
It follows a teen, Cloe, who wins in a fashion competition on TV and the reward was an internship for Stefen Meyer in NY, and we see how she cope with her new job.
Chloe's love for fashion is apparent and appreciated throughout the novel. It is not hard to relate to her, she is nice and sometimes overwhelmed herself and try her best. I liked that she acts and behaves like an actual teen. And how she treats everyone politely, even the ones who are mean to her, is admirable.
One great concept was the whole " intern" thing, especially in fashion industries, it was the most interesting part of the book. Mainly, it focused on designing, but sometimes it showed different possibilities of what else one can do in the fashion industries. And I liked everyone she worked with, they were nice and didn't mind that she is a teen so they were open to her opinions.
I loved the illustrations and surprisingly, there many of them! But the diary entries were unnecessary and can be skipped.
Overall, it was a nice read, as long as fashion is an interest, even if a tiny interest. Perfect for young readers as well as teens.
June 15, 2015
Even though there were lots of issues with this book, I still liked the overall story and concept of this series so I still gave it 3 stars, as opposed to the 2 I was considering. This is the continuation of Chloe's story after winning a design show in the first book. She is working at her internship at a famous designer in NYC as part of her prize and gets to experience several different departments in the fashion world. This story really focuses on the fashion aspect of her life, there is a touch of romance and some drama, but it is definitely good for fashionistas. I love the full-color illustrations of her different design ideas. It really helps you see what she's talking about as opposed to just having to use your imagination. Plus, it just makes the book look more interesting.
As I commented on another review, I was not impressed in the least with the repetition that I found to be a major part of this story. I'm hoping that is something that is fixed before the actual book is released. If I had to read one more time about who Leisel McKay was, I was going to throw my iPad across the room. If a reader can't remember who a character is after the first introduction, then they should just quit reading! Sheesh! We were told at least 5 times that Leisel was a designer that worked as a mentor to Chloe on the design show....oh, and she is Jake's mom. Who is Jake? Don't worry, that will be explained a few times too. Sorry if this seems harsh, but I found it seemed like the author felt the reader was too stupid to remember details.
Anyway, this is still a fun story that I will probably purchase for my high school library since I already have the first book and because I know it will appeal to a certain demographic of students. Hopefully, those errors will be resolved by publication.
As I commented on another review, I was not impressed in the least with the repetition that I found to be a major part of this story. I'm hoping that is something that is fixed before the actual book is released. If I had to read one more time about who Leisel McKay was, I was going to throw my iPad across the room. If a reader can't remember who a character is after the first introduction, then they should just quit reading! Sheesh! We were told at least 5 times that Leisel was a designer that worked as a mentor to Chloe on the design show....oh, and she is Jake's mom. Who is Jake? Don't worry, that will be explained a few times too. Sorry if this seems harsh, but I found it seemed like the author felt the reader was too stupid to remember details.
Anyway, this is still a fun story that I will probably purchase for my high school library since I already have the first book and because I know it will appeal to a certain demographic of students. Hopefully, those errors will be resolved by publication.
May 1, 2015
Chloe Montgomery has just won the reality television competition Teen Design Diva and has won a prestigious summer internship with Stefan Meyers in New York City. Spending the summer working at a fashion label, living in the Fashion Institute of Technology dorms and designing is more than a dream come true. A talented designer, Chloe is up to the task, but being on her own without her best friend Alex or her mom will be a challenge. There is a lot more to learn in the industry besides paisley's and pumps. Chloe will spend time tackling every aspect of the industry in preparation for Fashion Week, the most important design event of the year. Balancing work, friends, a cute boy and mean girls is more than enough to keep her hopping.
This peek into the fashion industry may be intended for younger readers, but older readers will not be disappointed. Chloe is incredibly likeable and realistic. Although she is very mature for a sixteen year old girl, she still responds and reacts genuinely in the situations placed before her, and not always in the right way. Chloe learns the ins and the outs of the different details and departments associated in the fashion industry and as a result, the reader learns along with her. Included in the book are beautiful journal entries and sketches of outfits.
A well written and interesting read. One of the few books that is completely clean without sacrificing writing or storyline. Recommended for readers ages 9-12. This series will become a staple for fashion forward teens.
"You want me to read fashion mags all day? I ask....Best. Assignment. Ever."
This peek into the fashion industry may be intended for younger readers, but older readers will not be disappointed. Chloe is incredibly likeable and realistic. Although she is very mature for a sixteen year old girl, she still responds and reacts genuinely in the situations placed before her, and not always in the right way. Chloe learns the ins and the outs of the different details and departments associated in the fashion industry and as a result, the reader learns along with her. Included in the book are beautiful journal entries and sketches of outfits.
A well written and interesting read. One of the few books that is completely clean without sacrificing writing or storyline. Recommended for readers ages 9-12. This series will become a staple for fashion forward teens.
"You want me to read fashion mags all day? I ask....Best. Assignment. Ever."
June 18, 2015
4.8 Stars!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review from Capstone via Netgalley.
Story: 4.5 Stars
Cover: 5 Amazing Stars
What captivated me first about this book was the cover. The drawing on the cover and inside the book are AMAZING, and when sometimes I couldn't imagine the look from the description given, and next came the draw that wow me.
Chloe is an every ambitious girl, that want to be a name in the fashion industry, and she in High School and the other interns in Uni, was not something that stopped her and put her down. Jake, my boy, you are so cute. I could "see" the beggining of a sweetheart love, a beautiful partnership. Go Girl, you already have a good friendship with your To be mother in law.
Michael, Stefan, Laura and Taylor are what every intern hope for, not just bosses but mentor. And I loved that each one had something different that could add to Chloe. Alex, I loved her new look. The few pages that she is in, kept me thinking about friendship, and the my good friends.
For me, something that kept me reading was that this wasn't a book about romance, but about love in yourself, believing in your dreams and working hard to achieve that.
I'm giving 4.8 Stars because I'm missing something. I don't know what exactly, if was the dorm girls relationship that I wanted more interaction, if was Chloe and Jake that was missing some attitude, but I think that if a sequel comes, this thing will be there.
I really liked this book. It's for sure one of my favorites of the month.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review from Capstone via Netgalley.
Story: 4.5 Stars
Cover: 5 Amazing Stars
What captivated me first about this book was the cover. The drawing on the cover and inside the book are AMAZING, and when sometimes I couldn't imagine the look from the description given, and next came the draw that wow me.
Chloe is an every ambitious girl, that want to be a name in the fashion industry, and she in High School and the other interns in Uni, was not something that stopped her and put her down. Jake, my boy, you are so cute. I could "see" the beggining of a sweetheart love, a beautiful partnership. Go Girl, you already have a good friendship with your To be mother in law.
Michael, Stefan, Laura and Taylor are what every intern hope for, not just bosses but mentor. And I loved that each one had something different that could add to Chloe. Alex, I loved her new look. The few pages that she is in, kept me thinking about friendship, and the my good friends.
For me, something that kept me reading was that this wasn't a book about romance, but about love in yourself, believing in your dreams and working hard to achieve that.
I'm giving 4.8 Stars because I'm missing something. I don't know what exactly, if was the dorm girls relationship that I wanted more interaction, if was Chloe and Jake that was missing some attitude, but I think that if a sequel comes, this thing will be there.
I really liked this book. It's for sure one of my favorites of the month.
June 11, 2015
Meh. I obviously didn't care much for this book, but I think it was more of a personal preference. In general, I don't care much for the "romanticized girly-girl" books. If the intended audience were to read this book, most likely girls (or boys I suppose) aged 8-14, than this book would probably be spectacular and out of this world. Chloe gets an internship for a fashion company over the summer and gets to work with the big guys, which I admit is pretty cool, even though I'm not into fashion myself. I guess the problem I had with this book was that nothing really happened and there was no character depth or development. Chloe did the same type of tasks day in day out, and did them perfectly almost every time. She seemed rather self-centered and too "perfect". But, then again, this is a book directed to a younger audience so I suppose things like that don't really matter. I just didn't like this book very much and will try to find someone to get rid of it for me.
November 20, 2015
It is just the perfect story that I am just looking forward to. My favorite style of book. Awaiting the next series. :)
November 24, 2015
Awesome book! Illustrations made it so realistic
November 2, 2018
Balancing Act
Margaret Gurevich
November 1st
Balancing Act, the sequel to Making the Cut, is a realistic fiction book by Margaret Gurevich. The book is about a Diva Design winner, based on Project Runway junior, and the internship she won working for Stefan Meyers. Balancing Act is about Chloe’s struggle to balance her overwhelming work and her regular life.
Balancing Act is a nice mundane read if you’ve just finished a really stressful read, as it doesn’t have a lot of angst. Balancing Act is mostly a story about success and perseverance. Margaret tells a story showcasing the theme of hubris, for example, “I know Laura’s right, I think, but is it so bad to want to shine now too? Just a little?” (79). This book also reveals a theme about work/life balance when Chloe is trying to balance her internship with her friendship with Jake, another character. Overall it’s a nice, calm book to read.
Margaret Gurevich
November 1st
Balancing Act, the sequel to Making the Cut, is a realistic fiction book by Margaret Gurevich. The book is about a Diva Design winner, based on Project Runway junior, and the internship she won working for Stefan Meyers. Balancing Act is about Chloe’s struggle to balance her overwhelming work and her regular life.
Balancing Act is a nice mundane read if you’ve just finished a really stressful read, as it doesn’t have a lot of angst. Balancing Act is mostly a story about success and perseverance. Margaret tells a story showcasing the theme of hubris, for example, “I know Laura’s right, I think, but is it so bad to want to shine now too? Just a little?” (79). This book also reveals a theme about work/life balance when Chloe is trying to balance her internship with her friendship with Jake, another character. Overall it’s a nice, calm book to read.
September 30, 2022
Really disappointed with this. I know it’s been a minute since I read the first book but this was just weird. It’s written like it’s aimed at a much younger crowd, the diary entries were pointless, and Chloe is just too perfect.
Like she’s just oh so hard working, and ever so talented. Everyone just falls all over her, the designers think she’s great, Jake is great, and her roommates are great, why does she not talk to any other interns?
And Maddison being a mean girl makes sense because of course people are going to not be impressed by your tv show stint and think you didn’t earn your spot there.
Just weird all around. Everything was just too good to be true. Could have had someone snap at her for drawing them, but no, everyone is flattered and happy to be drawn. Ugh
Like she’s just oh so hard working, and ever so talented. Everyone just falls all over her, the designers think she’s great, Jake is great, and her roommates are great, why does she not talk to any other interns?
And Maddison being a mean girl makes sense because of course people are going to not be impressed by your tv show stint and think you didn’t earn your spot there.
Just weird all around. Everything was just too good to be true. Could have had someone snap at her for drawing them, but no, everyone is flattered and happy to be drawn. Ugh
March 11, 2020
It brought back the part of me that would’ve loved this book in elementary and middle school. Now it was not something I would typically go for. The illustrations are easily the best thing on my bookshelf. They really made the book come to life. There were points when there would be a description of a dress and I would hope that there would be an illustration to go along. However I did not like how all of her problems were sort of solved really easily without her having to do very much at all. It just felt like everyone forgave her to easily and moved on. Overall it was a lot of fun and really occupied my time while I was sick.
November 29, 2020
I finally realized why these books fall flat. They’re written to mimic a reality show, which is very meta and all, but we really never get to feel what it’s like to be any of the characters. Even though it’s written in first person, all we really get is the camera view. I guess the author realized this, too, because she added these pointless “dear diary” sections to get a glimpse of Chloe’s feelings, which she totally could have just shown in the first place, since it’s first person.
Also, for the second book in a row, there’s one character who’s just a big bitch for reasons that are never explained. Apparently the author didn’t know any other way to create conflict. Bah.
Also, for the second book in a row, there’s one character who’s just a big bitch for reasons that are never explained. Apparently the author didn’t know any other way to create conflict. Bah.
February 5, 2017
Bravo to Ms. Gurevich! This book is unique and will be a hit with teen girls! I love the story line which deals with fashion design and a high school intern wanting to break into the business. The main character strives to maintain a high standard of morals and work ethic in a field that is known for its' competitiveness. I deeply appreciate that the author did not feel the pressure to add profanity, sexual scenarios, or homosexual references. It was simply a good, clean book that I know my students will enjoy and appreciate.
March 30, 2020
I remember one of my friends complaining about how short it was considering all of the pictures, but I still liked it. I couldn't read it without a cup of iced coffee by my side. Even after I finished the book, I was going to read with my iced coffee and thought about how I was going to read Balancing Act, but I had already finished it. Overall a great book.
November 2, 2020
The illustrations are still just as great! I like how this one seems more original than the first one (which is strange since they're both pretty atypical with the first being a fashion competition and this being a fashion internship in NYC). I think maybe because the mean girl bit and the boy crush bit didn't end on a "happily ever after" note so it felt more grown up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2020
yay! i remember none of this book from when i first read it 4 years ago. that added so much to the book. at first i wasn’t sure. chole was kind of irritating but once it got to fashion week i knew i loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2021
*4.5 Stars
Though it's a bit juvenile for me now, elementary/middle school me would have loved this book. I think it's a great continuation of Chloe's story and introduces young readers who are interested in fashion to the real world behind the scenes of the fashion industry!
Though it's a bit juvenile for me now, elementary/middle school me would have loved this book. I think it's a great continuation of Chloe's story and introduces young readers who are interested in fashion to the real world behind the scenes of the fashion industry!
August 26, 2017
I didn't enjoy the book because it was really boring and didn't have many exciting or interesting parts. I really liked the first book and now I am going to read the 3 book hopefully it'll be better.
November 17, 2017
I think this is a good book because it explains what it's like to be a young intern. It is inspiring because the overall message is go for your dreams and if you put the work in you'll succeed.
January 9, 2019
So good! I am in love with the actual designs within the book! It looks like the book is within Chole's sketchbook!😍😍
June 24, 2019
The story's basically about Chloe's intern life. Definitely a children's book. But it's the sketches that really got me!! I love them and I enjoyed looking at them. 😍
November 30, 2019
Super glam and chic!Enjoyed this book so much!💕
April 6, 2020
It was a good story. I would recommend it to other girls interested in fashion and stories about girls who like fashion design.
December 3, 2020
if you like designs and fashion this is a book for you
April 14, 2021
Love this book! I just wish I didn’t start this book before the other ones 😂
May 15, 2022
honestly was a vv cute book !! you can learn abt a lot of fashion !
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January 10, 2023Amazing!!!
November 14, 2024
Not as good as the first one. A little rushed at times.
April 13, 2019
Great book!
I thought this book was awesome and I loved all of the sketches! Iwould definitely recommend it to all of my friends!!
I thought this book was awesome and I loved all of the sketches! Iwould definitely recommend it to all of my friends!!
March 11, 2017
I would give Balancing Act 4 stars. I was so happy to finally read the second book after a year of finishing the first. This book follows Chloe interning for Stefan Meyers after winning Design Diva. Chole gets along with most of her roommates except one Madison who thinks she doesn't deserve the internship. Chloe gets over her mean comment and still hopes the can get along. Chloe in this book works really hard to prove how good of a worker and designer she is. This book has lots of colorful sketches that Chloe describes, and a lot of characters from the first book. If you liked the first book you won't be disappointed with this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews