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Popularity: A Growing Up Girls Book

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Is Popularity everything it's cracked up to be?

Melinda is the shy, awkward high school girl who sits in the shadows drawing what she sees from afar, while longing to experience it. Focused on "The Glam Squad," she sees how their lives seem to sizzle and glitter with excitement, boys and the adoration and envy of the entire school - everything that goes with popularity.
When a strange twist of fate grants the new "Mel" access to the fabulous world of the popular crowd, she experiences both the advantages and disadvantages of the group from the inside, while trying to keep one foot in her old life. But when the two worlds collide and people start to get hurt with bullying and cyberbulling, will she be able to straddle the two or must she choose? Will she find popularity is all she hoped for, or is it just another teenage prison, binding to certain roles?
Popularity is the 3rd book in the Growing UP Girls series of books which follows girls 10-16 through all the perils and pageantry of puberty seen through the lens of how they deal with individuality, bullying and just growing up with as few tears and jeers as possible.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2022

29 people are currently reading

About the author

Suzanne Rudd

6 books

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Mamadukes .
384 reviews7 followers
September 15, 2022
POPULARITY A Growing Up Girls Book by Suzanne Rudd Hamilton is just what you would expect it to be. This quick, short read takes you back to your high school days and your all-encompassing desire to fit in. If you were one of the popular people, you knew someone who was not so lucky. If you were an outcast, you may have thought, at times, that you’d do ANYTHING to be accepted into that group. But be careful what you wish for! Trying to straddle the line between the two groups can be a double edged sword that can cut very long and very deeply.
I enjoyed the way Ms Rudd Hamilton draws on her experiences with working with children and a personal tragedy to bring this story to life to teach valuable lessons in self discovery, bullying and a desire for a glimpse at how ‘the other half’ lives but the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.
This is my first book by this author and I am intrigued enough by her writing style and message to seek out more of her books. It is beneficial to read the foreword and the pages at the end to gain insight into Ms Rudd Hamilton’s own backstory. A job well done.
Profile Image for Tanya.
650 reviews7 followers
January 1, 2025
"Popularity: A Growing Up Girls Book" by Suzanne Rudd is an engaging read that explores the challenges of growing up as a girl. The story follows relatable characters as they navigate friendships, self-identity, and the quest for popularity.

This book addresses some difficult topics in a way that younger readers can understand. It covers bullying, finding the strength to be yourself, standing up to others, doing the right thing, and the importance of true friendship.

Overall, "Popularity" is a fun and insightful read that will resonate with young girls. It offers valuable lessons about friendship and self-acceptance, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an uplifting story!
Profile Image for Suzanne Hamilton.
Author 34 books23 followers
September 6, 2022
Being a teen is entirely about self-esteem. Some girls have it and some don't. But chasing popularity is a common theme. The popular kids are revered by many in the school. I wanted to take a glimpse inside the glam life and open it up for all to see. Some parts are good, some parts are not. But you don't have to be popular to be valued and have friends in school. You can be anyone and anything you want to be. Sometimes when we get what we wish for, we see it for what it really is, warts and all.
190 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Mel is an artist and an observer of life. During one year of high school, she gets the attention of the popular clique, but at what cost?

Sometimes books are good because they deal with important issues. This is a realistic book that deals with bullying, including very intense cyberbullying, homophobia, social status, and loss. It is well written and appropriate and relevant for teens, if not a particularly emotionally easy read, and is appropriate for school libraries.
Profile Image for Fairy Tale.
61 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2023
This book talks about some tough subjects in a lighter way that younger readers will be able to understand. Bullying, finding strength to be yourself, standing up to others, doing the right thing and true friendship. But I was surprised by chapter 13, I did not see that coming! I didn't think the book was going to go that dark, but it did! Again, in that lighter way suitable for the targeted audience.

*I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,046 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2022
I love the story. Great plot and background. Well developed characters and relationships among them. Good reality. Every one should read IT and Rembertów not to use phone while driving. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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