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Better You Than Me
It's Freaky Friday meets Hannah Montana when two twelve-year-old girls--one a famous TV star, the other an obsessive fan--switch bodies with hilarious and disastrous results.
Ruby Rivera is a twelve-year-old superstar with millions of followers. Skylar Welshman is a seventh grader who wants to be cool--and she's Ruby's biggest fan. When Skylar and Ruby meet on the set of Ruby's hit show, Ruby of the Lamp, and wish they could switch places . . . it happens!
Now Ruby is living Skylar's life--going to a normal school, eating fro-yo, sleeping in, texting boys . . . it's amazing. And being Ruby is even better than Skylar imagined--her fancy closet is huge, everyone wants to be her friend, and she gets to spend every day with Ryder Vance, her dreamy costar. Life is a blast!
But when Ruby finds herself dealing with mean girls and Skylar discovers that being a celebrity isn't all red-carpet glamour, the girls start to wonder if being yourself isn't so bad after all. Can they swap bodies again? Or are they stuck being each other forever?
Ruby Rivera is a twelve-year-old superstar with millions of followers. Skylar Welshman is a seventh grader who wants to be cool--and she's Ruby's biggest fan. When Skylar and Ruby meet on the set of Ruby's hit show, Ruby of the Lamp, and wish they could switch places . . . it happens!
Now Ruby is living Skylar's life--going to a normal school, eating fro-yo, sleeping in, texting boys . . . it's amazing. And being Ruby is even better than Skylar imagined--her fancy closet is huge, everyone wants to be her friend, and she gets to spend every day with Ryder Vance, her dreamy costar. Life is a blast!
But when Ruby finds herself dealing with mean girls and Skylar discovers that being a celebrity isn't all red-carpet glamour, the girls start to wonder if being yourself isn't so bad after all. Can they swap bodies again? Or are they stuck being each other forever?
432 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2018
30 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Brody
60 books2,819 followersJessica Brody is the author of more than 20 novels for teens, tweens, and adults including The Geography of Lost Things, The Chaos of Standing Still, Amelia Gray is Almost Okay, A Week of Mondays, 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, the Unremembered trilogy, and the System Divine trilogy which is a sci-fi reimagining of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, co-written with Joanne Rendell. She’s also the author of the #1 bestselling novel-writing guides, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel as well as several books based on popular Disney franchises like Descendants and LEGO Disney Princess. Jessica’s books have been translated and published in over 20 languages and several have been optioned for film and television. She’s the founder of the Writing Mastery Academy and lives with her husband and three dogs near Portland, OR.
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 1, 2018
*actual rating is 3.5 stars*
When a prop for Ruby Rivera’s television show swaps seventh-grader Skylar Welshman’s life of junior high school drama for Ruby’s life of celebrity, the tweens are ecstatic. They slowly learn, however, that no one has a “perfect life;” everyone has problems and insecurities. But are their borrowed bodies’ problems easier to deal with than their own? A lighthearted take on Freaky Friday tackles topics of body image, bullying, and the difficulties of fame.
When a prop for Ruby Rivera’s television show swaps seventh-grader Skylar Welshman’s life of junior high school drama for Ruby’s life of celebrity, the tweens are ecstatic. They slowly learn, however, that no one has a “perfect life;” everyone has problems and insecurities. But are their borrowed bodies’ problems easier to deal with than their own? A lighthearted take on Freaky Friday tackles topics of body image, bullying, and the difficulties of fame.
August 29, 2019
Two 12-year old girls, Disney-esque star Ruby Rivera and her biggest fan Skyler Welshman, meet on the set of Ruby's hit television show and improbably switch bodies by accident. At first, thrilled with the situation, each tween believes the other has the better life in this Freaky Friday-like storyline. Due to various scheduling constraints, the girls plan to meet in several days to switch back. Meanwhile, each girl's assumptions about one another are put to the test as they struggle to cope with scenarios they never expected and to make the best of their new lives. Brody takes a common trope and freshens it up with realistic details. Whats starts out as a formulaic plot device evolves into a strong story about appreciating friends and family and making good choices. The alternating chapters with each girl's perspectives gave each chapter a distinctive voice.
I wrote this review for the September 2018 issue of School Library Journal (page 102).
I wrote this review for the September 2018 issue of School Library Journal (page 102).
March 20, 2022
i think i’m a little too old to be reading this book!
August 18, 2022
cute easy wholesome read:)
September 25, 2019
Such a cute read with an important message. I loved both Ruby and Skylar - they were both fun characters. Jessica Brody has become a new favorite author for sure!
January 29, 2023
This was such an amazing middle grade! Addi wanted me to read it and I really enjoyed it! It was so fun and so sweet and even though I knew the plot, it was just lovely to read!!
May 10, 2019
What if the magic lamp that is supposed to be a prop turns out to be real? What will you wish?
Ruby and Skylar make an accidental wish for each to take the other's life, because they both think that each of their lives is terrible and they all want the other's life. And so it happens. But they will find out that maybe it seems like a fun idea to switch lives, it isn't as fun after a while. I had tons of fun reading this one especially given the huge amount of character growth both characters experience.
Ruby is our celebrity girl and all she wants is to just eat all she can, sleep even more, and just have a regular life with tons of books and fun. However as a celebrity this is a life she cannot have. Yes, she is famous, yes she is a celebrity, yes she is working as the main for a show that is immensely popular with everyone (has been for years), but she is tired of it. And I can well imagine. She has been in this show for 4 years, since she was 8. She has had a strict schedule since then, it must be tiring and frustrating at times. Not to mention that her mom, she has no dad, is mostly seeming to care only about her and the fame her daughter has.
Then there is Skylar, she recently moved due to her parents going through a divorce and she is not a happy camper. She wants her dad, she wants her best friend, and her school life is also terrible with a couple of popular girls making her life hell. She is a giant fan of Ruby though and finds happiness and relief in the show and in collecting all there is about it.
After a big bullying event Skylar manages to get on the site of Ruby's show and so they meet. And so the chaos begins.
It was great fun to see how each girl reacted to the change and also how the first hours went (chaotic and stressful but also hilarious). I loved that each of them got a chance to see the other's life and experience the differences, but also see why each girl got tired of the life they had. Skylar learns that fame and money is fun but that you can't trust anyone, you have to keep to a strict regime, and oh yes, your mom is even more absent than normally. Ruby learns that while a normal life is fun there are tons of things that aren't easy or nice. Each one of the girls found something they loved, plus Skylar found something very big and I am so so happy for her.
There were a few moments that had me shaking my head. Like how Scarlet just kept using the creditcard for things like breakfast or an expensive dress, and just wouldn't understand that normal people don't just do that. I get that she has been living in fame for 4 years, but I had expected her to have a bit clearer head about how money works and that not everyone can just spend money like that, especially given that it is an EMERGENCY creditcard, that should already throw a ton of warning signs. Then again, maybe this is also a culture thing. I can't imagine anyone giving a child a credit card in my country, but then again credit cards are normally not even used here. My fiance and I only got one because we buy stuff from outside of our country quite a few times and sites often require those. Even more confusing, even if it is normal to just give credit cards to your child, why not set a very low limit on it? I know you can set a limit on how much one can spend, at least on the cards one gets here. So you could just set it to like 50 dollars and anything that is over that is a no-no.
I also didn't like how Ruby kept breaking out of the Skylar character. I get that she LOVES books, and that she wants to read and spread the joy, but now it just feels weird and out of place. She even hurt Skylar's mom due to the things she said. Again, I get that she wants to read, but maybe keep it more on the down low. Then there is the fact that despite Skylar's warnings and what she said Ruby just went along with the bullies. *rolls eyes*
There was one big moment that made both characters see that maybe things aren't so hunkydory, and yes, I did roll my eyes a bit at how things escalated, I am still happy to see it added. It was definitely a moment that was needed given how things were headed. We needed a big bang to finish this off.
The hiccuping thing? A very interesting touch, haven't seen that happen when a character gets frightened/has anxiety.Though I did feel sorry for her especially given how loud these hiccups were (loud enough to sound like a big fat burp).
The ending, well it definitely made me smile. It is a happy ending for each character and I am happy that Ruby and Skylar are still best friends (though I do hope that Skylar got rid of all the Ruby stuff in her room). :P
All in all, I could probably talk much much more about this book, but I think I have said the most important things I wanted to say. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. Fame, real problems, friendship, body switching, wishes, and more.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Ruby and Skylar make an accidental wish for each to take the other's life, because they both think that each of their lives is terrible and they all want the other's life. And so it happens. But they will find out that maybe it seems like a fun idea to switch lives, it isn't as fun after a while. I had tons of fun reading this one especially given the huge amount of character growth both characters experience.
Ruby is our celebrity girl and all she wants is to just eat all she can, sleep even more, and just have a regular life with tons of books and fun. However as a celebrity this is a life she cannot have. Yes, she is famous, yes she is a celebrity, yes she is working as the main for a show that is immensely popular with everyone (has been for years), but she is tired of it. And I can well imagine. She has been in this show for 4 years, since she was 8. She has had a strict schedule since then, it must be tiring and frustrating at times. Not to mention that her mom, she has no dad, is mostly seeming to care only about her and the fame her daughter has.
Then there is Skylar, she recently moved due to her parents going through a divorce and she is not a happy camper. She wants her dad, she wants her best friend, and her school life is also terrible with a couple of popular girls making her life hell. She is a giant fan of Ruby though and finds happiness and relief in the show and in collecting all there is about it.
After a big bullying event Skylar manages to get on the site of Ruby's show and so they meet. And so the chaos begins.
It was great fun to see how each girl reacted to the change and also how the first hours went (chaotic and stressful but also hilarious). I loved that each of them got a chance to see the other's life and experience the differences, but also see why each girl got tired of the life they had. Skylar learns that fame and money is fun but that you can't trust anyone, you have to keep to a strict regime, and oh yes, your mom is even more absent than normally. Ruby learns that while a normal life is fun there are tons of things that aren't easy or nice. Each one of the girls found something they loved, plus Skylar found something very big and I am so so happy for her.
There were a few moments that had me shaking my head. Like how Scarlet just kept using the creditcard for things like breakfast or an expensive dress, and just wouldn't understand that normal people don't just do that. I get that she has been living in fame for 4 years, but I had expected her to have a bit clearer head about how money works and that not everyone can just spend money like that, especially given that it is an EMERGENCY creditcard, that should already throw a ton of warning signs. Then again, maybe this is also a culture thing. I can't imagine anyone giving a child a credit card in my country, but then again credit cards are normally not even used here. My fiance and I only got one because we buy stuff from outside of our country quite a few times and sites often require those. Even more confusing, even if it is normal to just give credit cards to your child, why not set a very low limit on it? I know you can set a limit on how much one can spend, at least on the cards one gets here. So you could just set it to like 50 dollars and anything that is over that is a no-no.
I also didn't like how Ruby kept breaking out of the Skylar character. I get that she LOVES books, and that she wants to read and spread the joy, but now it just feels weird and out of place. She even hurt Skylar's mom due to the things she said. Again, I get that she wants to read, but maybe keep it more on the down low. Then there is the fact that despite Skylar's warnings and what she said Ruby just went along with the bullies. *rolls eyes*
There was one big moment that made both characters see that maybe things aren't so hunkydory, and yes, I did roll my eyes a bit at how things escalated, I am still happy to see it added. It was definitely a moment that was needed given how things were headed. We needed a big bang to finish this off.
The hiccuping thing? A very interesting touch, haven't seen that happen when a character gets frightened/has anxiety.Though I did feel sorry for her especially given how loud these hiccups were (loud enough to sound like a big fat burp).
The ending, well it definitely made me smile. It is a happy ending for each character and I am happy that Ruby and Skylar are still best friends (though I do hope that Skylar got rid of all the Ruby stuff in her room). :P
All in all, I could probably talk much much more about this book, but I think I have said the most important things I wanted to say. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. Fame, real problems, friendship, body switching, wishes, and more.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 17, 2019
Better You Than Me is a book I needed back when I was twelve. It wasn't that long ago that I was in Ruby and Skylar's (mostly Skylar's) shoes, wishing that I had a different life. Like both girls I had my escape through fiction. I got myself completely invested in stories and characters, and that was what got me through middle school. I guess that would explain why I was able to finish this book in one sitting, something I haven't achieved in a while. It was very personal for me as someone who could relate to these girls' struggles. Well, a good deal of them at least.
Moving on from the more personal part of this review, my actual rating would be more of a 4.5/5. A 4/5 just doesn't seem to be enough. I grew to really like Ruby and Skylar and I got genuinely invested in their stories. This novel wasn't anything profound, but I did like the messages behind it, and they strongly resonated with me even though I'm now far enough beyond the days of middle school angst. I guess another reason why this was so easy to get into was because it wasn't trying too hard. A majority of stories focused on kids/teens tend to overemphasize/misuse slang and whatnot to try and be "hip" while failing miserably. It wasn't overdramatic, either. The story felt real, and I really enjoyed that.
Barnes & Noble recommended this book to me because I bought another one of the author's books, The Chaos of Standing Still, which I haven't gotten a chance to read yet, but I'm definitely going to read it next. I saw "Freaky Friday meets Hannah Montana" in the summary for this, and as someone who had a Hannah Montana phase on par with Skylar's Ruby of the Lamp obsession, I had to give this a read. I'm happy I did, because if I didn't have it recommended to me, I might not have ever known about it otherwise. This was just a really nice read, and as cheesy as it is (though I am a sappy person who loves a good cliche), it was a nice reminder to not be afraid to be yourself. I almost wish I could travel back in time and give this to my 12-year old self to read, but then again, be careful what you wish for, right?
Moving on from the more personal part of this review, my actual rating would be more of a 4.5/5. A 4/5 just doesn't seem to be enough. I grew to really like Ruby and Skylar and I got genuinely invested in their stories. This novel wasn't anything profound, but I did like the messages behind it, and they strongly resonated with me even though I'm now far enough beyond the days of middle school angst. I guess another reason why this was so easy to get into was because it wasn't trying too hard. A majority of stories focused on kids/teens tend to overemphasize/misuse slang and whatnot to try and be "hip" while failing miserably. It wasn't overdramatic, either. The story felt real, and I really enjoyed that.
Barnes & Noble recommended this book to me because I bought another one of the author's books, The Chaos of Standing Still, which I haven't gotten a chance to read yet, but I'm definitely going to read it next. I saw "Freaky Friday meets Hannah Montana" in the summary for this, and as someone who had a Hannah Montana phase on par with Skylar's Ruby of the Lamp obsession, I had to give this a read. I'm happy I did, because if I didn't have it recommended to me, I might not have ever known about it otherwise. This was just a really nice read, and as cheesy as it is (though I am a sappy person who loves a good cliche), it was a nice reminder to not be afraid to be yourself. I almost wish I could travel back in time and give this to my 12-year old self to read, but then again, be careful what you wish for, right?
November 10, 2021
All I have to say is.. wow. This books is one of the best books I have ever read.
This book is about these 2 girls, Ruby (famous) and Skylar (non famous) they both live in California. When Skylar ditches school to sneak over to the set her favorite show "Ruby of the Lamp" she actually meets Ruby. They wish they could switch lives while holding a lamp and just like that, they have switched. I like the whole "Freaky Friday" aspect of the book. The main event in Ruby (now Skylar's) life is the Tween Choice Awards, a big award show that she now gets to go to. And the main event in Skylar's life (now Ruby's) is a school dance. Both don't turn out as planned. When Ruby makes friends with the Ella's (the antagonists) they go behind her back and make a photoshopped picture of her barfing and call her "Barfman." Also, on Skylar's side, the extras for an episode of Ruby of the Lamp sell a video of her to a Celebrity Scoop website stating that "Carey Divine" and her were fake friends. In the end, they both switch back and Skylar even meets a new friend, one of the Ella's, Gabriella who turns out to be a nice person.
I know this was a pretty long review/summary but, in conclusion, this was a great book and I would recommend it for ages 9-12.
This book is about these 2 girls, Ruby (famous) and Skylar (non famous) they both live in California. When Skylar ditches school to sneak over to the set her favorite show "Ruby of the Lamp" she actually meets Ruby. They wish they could switch lives while holding a lamp and just like that, they have switched. I like the whole "Freaky Friday" aspect of the book. The main event in Ruby (now Skylar's) life is the Tween Choice Awards, a big award show that she now gets to go to. And the main event in Skylar's life (now Ruby's) is a school dance. Both don't turn out as planned. When Ruby makes friends with the Ella's (the antagonists) they go behind her back and make a photoshopped picture of her barfing and call her "Barfman." Also, on Skylar's side, the extras for an episode of Ruby of the Lamp sell a video of her to a Celebrity Scoop website stating that "Carey Divine" and her were fake friends. In the end, they both switch back and Skylar even meets a new friend, one of the Ella's, Gabriella who turns out to be a nice person.
I know this was a pretty long review/summary but, in conclusion, this was a great book and I would recommend it for ages 9-12.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2020
Better You Than Me by Jessica Brody, 424 pages. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House), 2018. $17. Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Twelve-year-old Skylar is a huge fan of tween star, Ruby Rivera. When Skylar has a bad day at middle school, with mean girls making her life hard, Skylar hops a bus to nearby Burbank to take a studio tour of Ruby’s TV set. While on the tour, Skylar sneaks into the prop closet and chances a meeting with Ruby, who is also having a bad day. While in the prop closet they wish they had each other’s lives and they find themselves in a body switch. Ruby and Skylar think they are doing a good job living the other person’s life, but then it starts to unravel.
I read this book in two days. It was a fun, fast read with good characters and I love the body switch premise. I also liked the moral of empathizing with other’s hardships and finding your true self. Great character growth and enjoyable read!
Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Twelve-year-old Skylar is a huge fan of tween star, Ruby Rivera. When Skylar has a bad day at middle school, with mean girls making her life hard, Skylar hops a bus to nearby Burbank to take a studio tour of Ruby’s TV set. While on the tour, Skylar sneaks into the prop closet and chances a meeting with Ruby, who is also having a bad day. While in the prop closet they wish they had each other’s lives and they find themselves in a body switch. Ruby and Skylar think they are doing a good job living the other person’s life, but then it starts to unravel.
I read this book in two days. It was a fun, fast read with good characters and I love the body switch premise. I also liked the moral of empathizing with other’s hardships and finding your true self. Great character growth and enjoyable read!
Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
April 15, 2021
Better You Than Me by Jessica Brody was a great read! It was about two girls, one just a average girl and the other the main star in a popular television series who switched places when they ran into each other. They get to experience each other’s lives, the parts they like, the challenges they face, and just wanting to then go back to their own lives. I really liked the part in this book when one of the girls from the mean group are finally nice and admit that they were wrong. I liked how this book was written in both the girls points of views. I would give this book a nine out of ten stars and would recommend it to anyone who is into books that are told from two perspectives.
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May 8, 2022I loved how it was really realistic and tells the reader about how being a celebrity isn't that easy.
April 3, 2020
Ruby is a famous actor who would give anything to be a normal 7th grader. Skylar is a 7th grader wishing for a bigger, better life. If only they could switch places... Oh wait, they can and they did.
I was really disappointed in this book especially considering I really like Jessica Brody's books. I was sincerely hoping that the cover would be wrong and it wouldn't just be a cheesy, cliche middle grade novel, which unfortunately it was. My main problems:
- Skylar. She was obsessive to the point of seeming like a stalker. She has every single detail about the show and Ruby memorized, almost to an offsetting point where every 3 seconds she's referring to what happens in Season 2, Episode 6 or whatever. And to make things worse anytime she finds out something that's supposed to not be public information she's pretty much personally offended about it (he's doing a solo album??? Oh my gosh how on earth can I not know about this this is a disaster I should've known this sooner, etc). She thought she knew Ruby perfectly based off of information on the internet and 5 minute actually talking to her. Honestly, I just didn't like her character.
- Ruby's mom. I know she's a minor character but I had a real problem with her fat shaming her daughter and insisting that a 8 - 12 year old needs to be on a diet, especially a diet as strict as no calories or sugar. Not only that but the fact that she had no legitimate communication with her daughter, was controlling, and spent her daughters paycheck without having a job.
-The situation itself. I think I was expecting a lot more from this book because it had a similar concept toAddie Bell’s Shortcut to Growing Up, which she did a pretty good job playing off. However in this scenario, they switch lives, don't communicate for 3 days, and are surprised they screwed the whole thing up.
There are a few other minor things, but I don't know - this book just really didn't impress me.
Overall Rating: 2.5 stars
I was really disappointed in this book especially considering I really like Jessica Brody's books. I was sincerely hoping that the cover would be wrong and it wouldn't just be a cheesy, cliche middle grade novel, which unfortunately it was. My main problems:
- Skylar. She was obsessive to the point of seeming like a stalker. She has every single detail about the show and Ruby memorized, almost to an offsetting point where every 3 seconds she's referring to what happens in Season 2, Episode 6 or whatever. And to make things worse anytime she finds out something that's supposed to not be public information she's pretty much personally offended about it (he's doing a solo album??? Oh my gosh how on earth can I not know about this this is a disaster I should've known this sooner, etc). She thought she knew Ruby perfectly based off of information on the internet and 5 minute actually talking to her. Honestly, I just didn't like her character.
- Ruby's mom. I know she's a minor character but I had a real problem with her fat shaming her daughter and insisting that a 8 - 12 year old needs to be on a diet, especially a diet as strict as no calories or sugar. Not only that but the fact that she had no legitimate communication with her daughter, was controlling, and spent her daughters paycheck without having a job.
-The situation itself. I think I was expecting a lot more from this book because it had a similar concept toAddie Bell’s Shortcut to Growing Up, which she did a pretty good job playing off. However in this scenario, they switch lives, don't communicate for 3 days, and are surprised they screwed the whole thing up.
There are a few other minor things, but I don't know - this book just really didn't impress me.
Overall Rating: 2.5 stars
November 22, 2018
The title for this book is actually perfect for its content and its message since its two protagonists learn that the lives they have thought they wanted might not be quite what they expected. Twelve-year-old Ruby Rivera is a star with millions of fans, but she hates playing the character in Ruby of the Lamp and dreams of a much more normal life in which she has time to relax, read books, and eat the foods she loves. Skylar Welshman has just moved to California with her mother, who loves books and is a college professor. But she's finding it hard to fit in, partly due to the Ellas, a threesome of mean girls in her middle school. When Ruby and Skylar happen to meet, they both wish to live the other one's life while touching a magic lamp, and immediately switch places. At first things go just fine, but then both girls start to realize that they miss some of the things they thought they wouldn't. As it turns out, Hollywood and middle school have their own versions of mean girls and drama, and these two need to find a way to switch back before they make a mess of their lives. It's an easy read, but I was entertained to see how each girl would cope with having her fantasy come true. In the end, although they both have learned to speak out and be honest about what they really want and what's bothering them, they realize just like Dorothy in Oz that there's really no place like home. There are many humorous moments as well as some heartfelt realizations, and Hollywood is nowhere near as glamorous as Skylar thought it might be; nor is middle school quite as easy to navigate as Ruby expected. The book hints at some important realizations and truths.
October 14, 2025
I'm glad Brody said she had a lot of fun writing this one, because even with the consideration that this review is from an adult perspective it's a rather droll, well-overused plot especially in this genre and demographic. Let's face it, you already know all of the exacting plot details before you even open the cover. I suppose it's only appropriate that the plot entirely revolves around a not-Disney Channel multi-cam sitcom, given Disney's love of this type of plot - you know, Freaky Friday not once, twice...how many times is it now? Including a DCOM, just to really press home the point. Not to mention, Wizards of Waverly Place (I'm sure it's going to be a plot in the new show, if not already), The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, The Suite Life On Deck, Jessie, I guess Cole Sprouse and/or Debby Ryan have it in their lifetime contract to have an episode with this plot apparently, and also, no, I don't mean just having Zack and Cody pull ye ole' twin switch-a-rooney (oh yeah that reminds me they do that in Liv and Maddie multiple times, natch); anyway where was I, oh, Austin & Ally, That's So Raven (and Raven's Home), Bunk'd (I think more than once, even) pretty sure way more than once on Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls, A.N.T. Farm, I wouldn't be surprised if Kim Possible did it and I just don't remember off the top of my head, Henry Danger multiple times as well...ok, that last one was Nickelodeon, but still, you get the point.
May 7, 2019
Ah, Jessica Brody, your books are as refreshing as a spring day. I was desperately in need of a palate cleanser after so many heavy books in a row. I thought "I wonder if Jessica Brody has written anything recently?" and behold! She had! Brody is seldom breaking new ground with her lighter books, but she does a rehashing well. In this Freaky Friday set-up, both characters had me rooting for them and I wanted to see the lessons they would learn along the way. It would be typical to have the celebrity in the pair be bratty, but Ruby is just as down to Earth and charming as Skylar. Well, except for when she buys a $600 dress because she doesn't know that's a pretty hefty price tag. The magical hoop to jump through that allowed them to switch back didn't move me but I could appreciate that it wasn't just a matter of reenacting the initial switch. Since the lesson learned is a forgone conclusion, it takes some skill to make the story fresh and tell it well. Many authors of beach read books don't get it right, but I can always count on Brody to pull me into the story with well-written characters.
March 12, 2019
This book was so ADORABLE. It's sad how I can relate to a 12 year old's obsession of a celebrity, but I really could lol. Maybe I should learn a few lessons for this book...
Anyway, I'm such a sucker for body swap stories and this book did not disappoint! It was a long book for a middle grade, which was not a bad thing. I had a lot of fun going on the journey with Ruby and Skylar and both characters were very interesting. Jessica Brody has a way of writing likable characters! I'm glad I didn't wait around to pick up this read. It was perfect for what I needed out of a book at that moment.
Anyway, I'm such a sucker for body swap stories and this book did not disappoint! It was a long book for a middle grade, which was not a bad thing. I had a lot of fun going on the journey with Ruby and Skylar and both characters were very interesting. Jessica Brody has a way of writing likable characters! I'm glad I didn't wait around to pick up this read. It was perfect for what I needed out of a book at that moment.
July 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! I have read several other of this author’s books & I loved them as well! I love books about waking up in a different life, or in the case of this book, changing places with someone else’s life. In this book, Skylar, a middle school student who attends public school & gets bullied by the popular “mean girls”, changes lives with Ruby, a famous tv star & singer her same age, who also hates her life & longs for a simpler one. If you enjoy books with the message be careful what you wish for; life isn’t always greener on the other side, then you will enjoy this book.
November 26, 2019
Ruby is 12 and is the star of a TV show. The thing is, she used to love it but now she feels stuck. Her mom doesn't hear any of Ruby's protests and it also seems like with her mom's expensive habits, they need Ruby to keep this job so they can survive.
Skylar is also 12 and Loves Ruby's TV show. She would give anything to meet Ruby. She even sneaks onto the set to see if she can make it happen.
Imagine both of their total surprise when they magically switch places after a slight mishap with a closet and a magic lamp!
Very predictable read. I like Brody's books for YA better. However, I had this on my desk and one of my students saw it and wants to read it, so it definitely has appeal for the middle school audience. No swearing, no violence. A tiny bit of kissing. For 5th -8th grade.
Skylar is also 12 and Loves Ruby's TV show. She would give anything to meet Ruby. She even sneaks onto the set to see if she can make it happen.
Imagine both of their total surprise when they magically switch places after a slight mishap with a closet and a magic lamp!
Very predictable read. I like Brody's books for YA better. However, I had this on my desk and one of my students saw it and wants to read it, so it definitely has appeal for the middle school audience. No swearing, no violence. A tiny bit of kissing. For 5th -8th grade.
March 11, 2025
Two 12-yo girls switch places/lives via a comedic supernatural accident. The book doesn't hold my attention, as I thought it would. A little bit slow-moving & boring. Overly simple & concrete writing style. Reads like a primer. Gets better around midway thru, more interesting & substantive: dealing w/some issues like betrayal in friendships (tho in a somewhat facile way). The story is overlong; but OK.
June 18, 2025
Ahhhh!
Sorry for a late review!!
I LOVED this book! I loved how we got two POV’s one with a pop star named Ruby who stars in a mega movie in the book, and a regular teenage girl named Skylar. We get the idea right off the bat that Skylar wants to be on this mega movie that Ruby stars in. This book had the perfect amount of Romance, and no spice :) so if you love romance and want to be in a movie one day, i would definitely recommend it to you!!
Sorry for a late review!!
I LOVED this book! I loved how we got two POV’s one with a pop star named Ruby who stars in a mega movie in the book, and a regular teenage girl named Skylar. We get the idea right off the bat that Skylar wants to be on this mega movie that Ruby stars in. This book had the perfect amount of Romance, and no spice :) so if you love romance and want to be in a movie one day, i would definitely recommend it to you!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2018
Body-swapping stories may not be original, but they're almost always a lot of fun!
This was such a cute book, and it made me smile from beginning to end. Being that it's a middle-grade book (not my favorite genre, but I love Jessica Brody) it's a little light on substance, but still a lot of fun.
This was such a cute book, and it made me smile from beginning to end. Being that it's a middle-grade book (not my favorite genre, but I love Jessica Brody) it's a little light on substance, but still a lot of fun.
March 22, 2019
holy SHIT FIVE FUCKING STARS
It was so good I was like "is this middle grade? cos it sure felt like I was reading YA"
I almost cried at this cos I know what it feels like to be an obsessive fan, wanting to escape, wishing to have somebody else's life...
and I just miss my mom
SO YEAH FIVE FUCKING STARS
It was so good I was like "is this middle grade? cos it sure felt like I was reading YA"
I almost cried at this cos I know what it feels like to be an obsessive fan, wanting to escape, wishing to have somebody else's life...
and I just miss my mom
SO YEAH FIVE FUCKING STARS
January 24, 2019
Cute. Definitely something that is written well for its demographic (12 year olds). It's not something that I would classify as YA necessarily, seeing as how that genre is more for those who have achieved puberty already.
Read
January 11, 2021I thoght i would be able to read the books on the sight but NOOOOOOO i have to go and hop on another sight and spend my money i give this a hundred million wait for it 000000000000,s hmph😡 🌶️ -_- -_-|| :-[
May 4, 2021
Better you than me is written by Jessica Brody. Read this book and loved it so Much! The concept is amazing, basically Aladdin and Freaky Friday combined with some original twists and turns in the story. I really recommend this book. It’s a light, fun read. 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 4, 2024
I loved this book when I was in middle school, and re-reading it confirms why. This book moves super fast but is cute and fun at the same time. Definetly for younger readers than me but an amazing book regardless!
September 8, 2024
WAYYYY to cringe it is literally like Justin Biebers “baby” song like it is literally a tv show actor. And two girls swap lives and end up messing each others lives I don’t recommend reading this even once
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2018
This was a fun and easy YA read.
December 17, 2018
This was a fun book to read. Although it has been done before, a la Freaky Friday, I still enjoyed reading it.
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