Cici Reno: Middle School Matchmaker

Yoga Girls #1

by Kristina Springer

"This clever twist on Cyrano de Bergerac will win over the hearts of middle schoolers, particularly those feeling shy or awkward themselves, as well as reluctant readers.” —Booklist
 
What happens when the girl who knows everything . . . suddenly doesn’t? Middle school is a test, but Cici Reno has all the answers. She's the go-to girl for advice. She's cool, she's funny, and she's enlightened (thanks to yoga classes at her mom's studio). So when her pretty BFF, Aggie, is too shy to speak to the boy she's crushing on, Cici goes online and does the talking for her. The only problem is, Cici starts to fall for the guy herself! For the first time in her life, she doesn't have a clue.

Genres: Middle Grade, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Young Adult Romance, Juvenile

184 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2016

About the author

Kristina Springer is the author of Cici Reno #MiddleSchoolMatchmaker (Sterling Children's/April 19, 2016), My Fake Boyfriend Is Better Than Yours (Macmillan/FSG), a Scholastic Bestseller and 2012 YALSA Quick Pick book; The Espressologist (Macmillan,/FSG), a 2010 Society of School Librarians International Honor Book and 2014 Illinois Reads Book that has been purchased for film by Michael Eisner’s Vuguru; and Just Your Average Princess (Macmillan/FSG). She has a Masters in Writing from DePaul University and resides in a suburb of Chicago with her husband and children. Learn more about Kristina on her website: KristinaSpringer.com.

Reviews

[Stephanie Faris · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with every Kristina Springer book, I found myself wondering why I didn't come up with this fantabulous idea. I think my forehead is bruised from hitting myself in the head over it! Cici Reno #MiddleSchoolMatchmaker is a modern-day twist on the Cyrano de Bergerac story. Only instead of passing letters to the guy her friend is too shy to talk to, Cici sets up a fake Twitter account and communicates with him on there. I know...brilliant, right? And, as always, she throws tons of tension in there and keeps you turning each page, eager to see that happy ending that had better be coming!

[Emily Andrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyrano de Bergerac is classic and I have to say: I rather enjoyed this retelling of it. It's adorable, funny in all the right places, and cleverly translated for the middle-school setting. CiCi Reno is an awesome, down-to-earth character and I enjoyed reading from her perspective. It was refreshing, actually, in the world of middle-school dating books. Her voice, at times, might be a little too mature ("Really? A seventh grader would say that?") but, seeing as she's the go-to advice-giver, I would hope she would be. Plus, it makes for a nice role model for middle-school readers. And! Every chapter starts with a yoga pose from CiCi. Love me some yoga. The other characters? They're not super in-depth developed, but help the story move along in an amusing, fun way.

As for the story, I don't know if using Twitter as CiCi's main contact point with Drew will resonate with middle-schoolers, and it might date the book pretty quickly, but it did the job. Overall, it's a light, fun read that I found really refreshing. Recommended for sure.

[Quincy Alam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl named Ceci. If anyone is having drama or needs advice, they go to Ceci. One day her best friend Aggie wants to pursue an eighth grader named drew. Aggie gets awkward around drew, so she asks Ceci to help her talk online with him. Then, Ceci ends up liking Drew also. The awkward thing is that Drew is Ceci's brothers friend, so he is over at her house all the time. They don't want rumors to start around the school, so they have to Keep all of this really quite around the school. This book was great and I could not stop reading it. Will Drew like Aggie back? Will Drew get in the way of Aggie and Ceci's friendship? Will Aggie find out that Ceci likes Drew? Read the book to find the answers!

[Jessica Kouznetsova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was amazing because it teaches you not to put other people in front of your BEST FRIENDS. If you are jealous of someone, just read this book! I think it will help your jealousy be more maintained :)

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, innocent, modern middle school crush story. (includes twitter, online messaging, and yoga) The girls will love it.

[Lisa]

An apt tween retelling of Cyrano, in the age of social media and the anonymity it provides. Being a person of a certain age, I'd just as soon stick with The Truth About Cats & Dogs. However, there are a couple of features I'd like to give special mention because they're all too rare.

- Cici and Aggie are allies. Period. There's no mean girl narrative here.

- Aggie's breast size is not used as shorthand for her being a jerk, an airhead, or a "slut". I abhor the popular narrative that breast size somehow determines a person's personality. On the other side of the coin, while Aggie's breasts attract unwanted attention (mostly sexual from boys, jealousy from girls), it is made absolutely clear that this is not her fault; it is all on those other girls and boys. As it should be.

Really, only one thing made my eyebrows crinkle: Cici and Drew's reading choices. Being the avid seventh and eighth grade readers they are, why are they spending their time on 39 Clues and Infinity Ring? Exciting, to be sure, but way too young, IMO. *judgey mcjudgerson*

[Ava Boldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was relatable to middle school relationships in a few ways. One way is that friends help each other out when one has a crush on a person. Another is you get nervous when talking to the person. Lastly, sometimes you fall for a guy that your friend also likes. In this book Cici Reno helps her friend, Aggie, get a boy she has liked for many years. The only problem is Cici secretly likes him too. In order to get the guy, Cici offers to talk to the guy, Drew, online. As Cici talks to Drew online, she begins to like him more and gets to know him better. Towards the end of the book, Drew finds out that he has been talking to Cici online and not Aggie. I think the book was very well detailed and had a good plot. The plot was different from any other middle school book that I've read. It grabbed my attention right away and kept my attention all the way through the book. The only part of the book I didn't like was when Cici's brother, Luke, was being harsh to her. All in all, the book surprised me with many different plot twists and an ending that I kind of saw coming.

[Erin Dealey]

Fun read. The term "Middle Grade" covers such a broad spectrum, to the point that it seems like tweens--grades 5-8--need their own shelf. Kristina Springer's contemporary MG novel, Yoga Girls 1/ Middle School Matchmaker would be face out on this shelf. Possibly in "mountain pose." ; ) Aptly pitched as "Cyrano de Bergerac in yoga pants...," it also addresses body image and the confusing world of 6th graders who suddenly look like 8th graders, and those who , erm..., make a perfect "plank." Cici's confidence, which stems from her yoga practice, was refreshing to see in a main character and throughout the book her reputation builds as a go-to girl for middle school advice. I challenge you to try the yoga poses that start each chapter like I did--and stretch your muscles as well as your imagination. Namaste.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gr. 5-7. Cyrano de Burgerac is given a modern facelift and gender-swap with Cici Reno. Cici is a 7th grader with all the answers - her friends and classmates always turn to her when they need the best advice. When Cici's best friend Aggie returns from visiting her father during summer vacation, she "developed" two problems, and now boys won't seem to leave her alone. Cici comes to the rescue by helping to set Aggie up with Aggie's crush by tweeting him messages. Springer makes clever use of modern technology to create a light and fun read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The drama of seventh grade! Everything is changing: friends, boys, bodies. Outspoken Cici gets caught in the middle by trying to help.

This book is a lot of fun. I liked the way the tweets were an important part of the story (and they looked good in the page layout).

I received the ARC at ALA Midwinter.

[Stay Fetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But nothing is going to happen. I'm not his type. Boys don't fall for girls like me. They fall for girls like you. I always knew what the deal was."

Today was a horrible day for me. I woke up and knew that today wasn't going to be anything but miserable. Then I started to read this book. It was absolutely adorable, upbeat and positive. An instant mood enhancer.

Cici Reno is the girl everyone goes to when they have problems. If you need a quick and honest answer, Cici is your girl. Way better than a magic eight ball. But what happens when you're the one that needs answers?

Cici's best friend Aggie spent the Summer in Florida with her dad and new step-mom and something is different about her. And boy do they let you know about it in this book. She bloomed this summer and now everyone gawks and talks about her.

Aggie has been crushing on her best friends brothers friend, Drew and they decide this year is the year that they make this situation a reality. They come up with a plan to get Aggie and Drew together. Since Aggie is a walking and talking disaster when it comes to boys, Cici will pretend to be her on Twitter. But they will play it secretly until Aggie gets the confidence she needs to confront Drew. What could go wrong?

Drew and "Aggie" hit it off online and Drew is ready to meet this mystery girl who has taken his heart. When they meet, it seems that they are hitting it off. But something is different. Cici is jealous. Deep down in her soul jealous.

Talking to him online has made them connect in a way that makes Cici's heart beat faster. What will she do as she watches her friend score the one guy she wants?

There are a few things that make this relatable and current to almost everyone. Sisters before misters, yoga, fresh coffee and the heavy presence of social media. A lot more kids are turning to social media to find their next one and only. And this sets the pace for what is actually happening.

The story was current, the characters were super relatable and lovable. I actually really enjoyed almost everything about this book. A happy, light, cute story of helping a friend in need.

What I didn't like was the lying and no repercussions. They obviously lied to a boy to get attention and when the plan falls flat, nothing really happens. I think it would have been better to teach a lesson. But it would have changed the entire story.

Still a fun read for a crummy day.

[JennM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 4.5 star for me. Absolutely LOVED it! It took me a while to get that it was a retelling of Cyrano De Bergerac -- a play I absolutely loved years ago and even today. Even the name... cici reno, sounds similar to Cyrano. Very sweet and interesting story. I could relate to the emotions of the characters. I liked that the focus was mainly on the kids and not a whole lot with the parents. Friendships, body image issues, crushes, siblings. It was a very easy and quick read and I enjoyed the yoga instructions at the beginning of each chapter and how each yoga pose is supposed to help with certain emotions. Cici is a great character as is Drew. I wish more would have happened at the end, which is why I only give it 4.5 stars and not a solid 5. Really took me back to the confusing but exciting days of middle school... and those huge crushes. How is it that middle school crushes and the memory of those intense feelings never fade even as the years -- decades!-- go by? Such a great read! Highly recommend! Characters with lots of heart and values. Loved it! Will read it again and I definitely want to check out the author's other novels.

[Brooke Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty cute. I really feel for Aggie with being an early bloomer and anxious as hell. My daughter sticks to mysterious but I'll keep this on the shelf for next year when ~things~ start happening. She's only in 5th grade and hasn't had these issues come up yet. The twitter and yoga inserts were well done and might spark some interest for kids, which is a good thing IMHO.

[Jane Cera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good middle school romance novel. It’s hard to find a YA middle school romance novel, and the girls are asking for them. This is a cute story about two best friends liking the same guy. The characters are refreshing and smart.

[tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg. this book got me back into reading. I NEEEED a second book rn. drew lancester is BOYFRIEND MATERIAL. this book has literally got me closing it, screaming, reading again, closing it, screaming. so good, highly highly recommend. superr fast paced. i was hooked from the first page.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book I got this book at the mesa county library in grand junction and found it on this app!!

[Soomin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting..??? I don't really recommend it 'cause it talks about like girl stuff... and it talks about love... I don't really like it but... kinda fun sooooooo I give 3 out of 5.

[Lailah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good

[Sophia Lanou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such a great storyline, characters, setting, and everything else. This is probably my favorite book that I have read in 2019.

[Hailey B]

It was good. Fun to read.

[Ally Goodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cici and Aggi are trying to figure out being friends; liking boys and middle school. Gentle reads

[talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun to read at random times, aggie's kinda annoying tho cuz shes all "oh....~ *bites lip* hey drew *stares shyly at ground for an eternity* h-h-h-h-h-how are you? *giggles nd dies*" like shes so annoying plus she gets mad at cici bc shes sad about seeing her crush make out w someone. on the topic of cici i love her sm and she deserves her happy ending + shes a girlboss(/j)

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventh-grader Cici Reno is who her middle school classmates seek out when they need advice. Cici always seems to have the answer as she remains calm even in tough situations--this is probably due to all the yoga Cici does. Her mother owns a local yoga studio and Cici takes classes most days to keep herself centered and empowered.

In fact, every chapter opens with a tweet from Cici (@yogagirl4ever) explaining a yoga move and the benefits that move has, such as LOTUS POSE: Sit cross-legged. Right foot on your left thigh and vice versa. Helps you to feel balanced when you’re feeling off-balance. More astute readers will notice that the poses reflect Cici’s changing emotions as the story progresses.

Cici is thrilled her best friend Aggie has returned from a long summer vacation…but is surprised to see that Aggie now has “ginormous” boobs but Cici’s are still rather, um, flat. Aggie’s not used to the reaction she gets now from most boys who no longer are looking at her face. Boys start treating Aggie obnoxiously and the girls are all jealous, but that’s not the problem Aggie seeks help from Cici with to solve.

Aggie has a crush on Drew but she cannot even manage to speak without stumbling or looking embarrassed. Cici has the great idea to tweet Drew online pretending to be Aggie so she creates a new account with a fake name. Soon Cici and Drew are direct messaging--mainly talking about books they both like. When the two decide to meet face to face and have Aggie revealed as the online girl, it’s a disaster that even Cici texting Aggie from a nearby table cannot help save. However, the more Cici communicates with Drew, the more she starts realizing that she really likes Drew too. What’s a girl to do?

If this storyline sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Cici Reno is being marketed as Cyrano de Bergerac in yoga pants. While I doubt my middle school students will get this reference, it doesn’t matter because this is a great novel full of drama, romance and humor that my students will truly love. The bonus is that it’s the first book in a series so stay tuned for more adventures from life at middle school.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cici Reno is a terrific friend who gives great advice! The book begins as the summer is ending and Cici is reunited with her best friend Aggie. They have been apart most of the summer, and when Aggie returns WOW has Aggie changed! Cici doesn't want to see her friend differently because of all the physical changes, but Aggie looks a lot older than Cici and is getting a lot of attention from boys. Aggie is a shy girl who only has eyes for one boy, but she cannot come up with the courage to talk to him. Have no fear, Cici will use her terrific communication skills to get these two together! Nothing could go wrong, right?!?! This book was fun to read and author Kristina Springer's tie to Cici's love for Yoga is fun and will get girls thinking about true friendship, girl code and how to relax.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This first book in the Yoga Girls series introduces Cici, a seventh grader who is known for giving good advice. When her best friend, Aggie, develops a crush on a boy named Drew, Cici agrees to talk to him anonymously via Twitter, in order to lay the groundwork for Aggie to eventually talk to him in person. What Cici doesn't count on is how much she and Drew will have in common and how much she will begin to like him herself. This is another entertaining and fast-paced read from Kristina Springer, whose previous books, The Espressologist and My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours, I have really enjoyed. It did seem unlikely to me that middle school kids would be so active on Twitter, and I questioned why yoga was such a big part of Cici's life when it had so little to do with the story, but neither of those things will prevent the target audience from snatching it up.

[Margaret]

Regardless of the decade some things will always remain true about maneuvering the often tricky paths of grades six, seven and eight. It's a major fork in the road of life; from one moment to the next we alternate from hardly being able to wait to become an adult and then yearning for the distinctive blessings of childhood. Change is in the air, sometimes like a slow soft breeze but other times like a roaring tornado.

On those rare days when everything seems aligned, we rejoice thankful for our families, our friends and ourselves. Cici Reno #Middle School Matchmaker (Sterling Children's Books, April 19, 2016) written by Kristina Springer is a refreshing look at middle school. Just like real life, things are never quite as they appear to be at first glance.


My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review with teaching tools and author guest post: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=9879

Cici Reno is a refreshing addition to middle grade romance. As a middle school teacher, I am always happy when there is a romance novel that actually features middle school kids instead of high schoolers. The thinking and feelings differ so much between 6th and 9th grade that sometimes the YA romance novels are a bit mature for the middle schoolers that want to read about crushes and dating. And Cici Reno is a book that middle schoolers will flock to not only because of the romance but because of the humor, Cici’s true voice, and the story of friendship.

[Evie F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cici Reno is a yoga loving advice giving 7th grader. Summer is to an end and her best friend, Aggie, is back from vacation! Aggie had been crushing on a guy named Drew forever and he is a year older than cici and Aggie. When Cici finds her brother and Drew best friends Aggie asks Cici to talk to drew online. Aggie was much more shy than Cici. When Cici makes up a name and DM's drew Cici starts to fall for him herself. When Aggie and drew have their first date Cici is nervous for Aggie but is also nervous drew likes Aggie! Read this book to find out the rest. This was such a good book and if you like drama this is the book for you! I could not put it down! I totally recommend it!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure that middle grade readers will get the Cyrano reference (although for adults, the title is a bit heavy-handed), but once again we have a story about being yourself both online and off. If I were Drew, I'd perhaps not have been as forgiving about what happens with "Aggie" online vs in real life. And maybe it's my profession, but there are rules regarding online accounts here in the US and Cici isn't yet 13... it just feels a little irresponsible to promote using Twitter when their TOS ways 18 and the US has "under 13" rules.

ARC provided by publisher.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5 stars. This book is like a meringue: almost 100% sugar. Don't go into it expecting any huge insights, but it's a light, extremely quick read, and it does have some really cute moments.

Cici is a seventh grader whose brain is all boys, all the time. Her voice occasionally felt off, but for the most part was endearing. I wasn't always a huge fan of the writing--especially the excessive dialogue tags--but I still rooted for Cici, and I love the story of Cyrano.

A fun, quick read.