The Secret Talent

Confidentially Yours #4

by Jo Whittemore

Perfect for fans of the Cupcake Diaries and the Babysitters Club, this series features best friends Brooke, Vanessa, Heather, and Tim, who are in charge and confidentially yours when writing their middle school newspaper’s advice column.

Tim Antonides is feeling pretty good about sixth grade. He’s even begun to branch out and make some new guy friends. The only thing that could ruin his awesome reputation is his big secret—he performs Greek folk dances with his twin sister, Gabby . . . complete with a super embarrassing outfit. Only his family and closest friends know, and he’s going to make sure it stays that way.

But when the class bully, Ryan, discovers Tim’s hidden talent, he blackmails Tim into completing a list of almost-impossible tasks. Can Tim get out from under Ryan’s thumb and stay true to who he is without becoming the biggest laughingstock in school?

Genres: Middle Grade

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2016

Reviews

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDIT: Okay I definitely read the paperback version, but what is up with the cover here on Goodreads? First off the title is wrong . . . Aww man I bet they changed the title and cover to appeal more to girls. In the real cover Heather, V, and Brooke are the main focus. Crazy! Anyway ...

What happens when Tim, the ladies man and sports star, is blackmailed for being a Greek folk dancer? He may love dancing, but he doesn't love the idea of being exposed for it in front of all of the guys. Things becomes especially grim when a blurred video is sent around the school with Tim dancing to "I Feel Pretty". Now Tim has to do everything Ryan Durstwich wants, or his secret will be exposed!

I didn't think these books were ever going to feature Tim's POV, so I was happy to read a Confidentially Yours title focused on a boy :)

Overall the plot got a little crazy, what with the blackmail and complete disregard for Tim's human-ness. And I certainly wish there had been more of a resolution with Tim's bully. But it was great to see confident Tim make a return by the end of this book.

[xav ౨ৎ⋆˚.⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about Tim Antonides who is a greek folk dancer. He is embarassed by it and keeps it a secret to avoid being the biggest laughingstock at school. But the school's meanest boy; Ryan Durstwich caught him dancing and blackmails Tim to do his list of disgusting and horrible chores, or else, he will send the unblurred version of the video (He's already sent the version which Tim's face is blurred to everybody) to everyone in school.

Me and my 9 year-old sister really really enjoyed this book. There were loads of funny parts and I kept cackling like a psychotic chicken while reading this book.

I read a bit of the next book (The sneak-peek) and I'm so excited!!