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The Hot List
It all starts as a goof between Sophie Fanuchi and her BFF Maddie Chen--a "Hot List" the two girls create and anonymously post in the girls' locker room listing the cutest boys at Travis Middle School. Soon enough the list has taken on a life of its own. Maddie's thrilled to be caught up in all the excitement and finally hanging out with the "pops," Travis Middle School's self-proclaimed It Girls. Sophie, however, misses just having secrets between herself and Maddie. Even worse, Maddie's suddenly super tight with Brenna Tate, leader of the pops and the daughter of Sophie's father's new girlfriend. As Sophie and Maddie's friendship unravels, Sophie latches onto an impulsive bet with Brenna to get the universe right again--Sophie declares she'll prove the list is meaningless by making over their wacky classmate Squid so that he can land on the Hot List. But will any bet or list matter more than Sophie's friendships . . .?
- GenresMiddle GradeContemporary
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2011
8 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Hillary Homzie
15 books96 followersHillary H. B. Homzie's background as a writer and performer of sketch comedy informs her first novel for tweens. Her Aladdin chapter book series Alien Clones from Outer Space has been adapted as an animated TV series in Australia and may be shown in the US in the future. She lives in Napa, California with her family.
See also H.B. Homzie
See also H.B. Homzie
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 30, 2021
It’s a book, I get it. Don’t take it seriously, I get that too. But come ON. The whole idea of a Hot List is so shallow in the first place.
Ok honestly, I really liked Squid because he was such a cute dork and he embraced who he was, different or not and that was endearing. Sophie’s reactions to him, I understood so I’m not mad about that. Neither am I mad at the distance in friendship between her and Maddie because that does happen in real life. What annoys me is that these kids are told that they’re not good enough unless they’re on some stupid list written on some toilet stall. This girl Brianna flirted with Bear or something all the time and because of her not being on the list, he thinks she isn’t good enough and stops flirting with her. And she isn’t upset about how he’s an idiot who’s so shallow as to base her value on some list—in fact, she’s more upset about how she’s not on the list and that it’s somehow her fault that he isn’t speaking to her! Then by the end, because she’s on the list, he starts speaking to her again. Just let that sink in. Like WHAT?! And no one’s saying anything about it? It infuriated me to no end how boys and girls are judged based on their looks. It really hits hard because this kind of stuff happens to kids and teens all the time. And I get that the author may have been intending to show people that you don’t need to change for others but it still felt like she was more promoting it than anything because, like in the last paragraph of the book, if not for the Hot List, her life wouldn’t have changed. The fact that she had to create a hot list TO change her life is sad in itself.
Ok honestly, I really liked Squid because he was such a cute dork and he embraced who he was, different or not and that was endearing. Sophie’s reactions to him, I understood so I’m not mad about that. Neither am I mad at the distance in friendship between her and Maddie because that does happen in real life. What annoys me is that these kids are told that they’re not good enough unless they’re on some stupid list written on some toilet stall. This girl Brianna flirted with Bear or something all the time and because of her not being on the list, he thinks she isn’t good enough and stops flirting with her. And she isn’t upset about how he’s an idiot who’s so shallow as to base her value on some list—in fact, she’s more upset about how she’s not on the list and that it’s somehow her fault that he isn’t speaking to her! Then by the end, because she’s on the list, he starts speaking to her again. Just let that sink in. Like WHAT?! And no one’s saying anything about it? It infuriated me to no end how boys and girls are judged based on their looks. It really hits hard because this kind of stuff happens to kids and teens all the time. And I get that the author may have been intending to show people that you don’t need to change for others but it still felt like she was more promoting it than anything because, like in the last paragraph of the book, if not for the Hot List, her life wouldn’t have changed. The fact that she had to create a hot list TO change her life is sad in itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2017
Cute - Cute - Cute! Middle grade novel with a good theme, story, and message. Enjoyed Squids makeover and loved the ending.
February 9, 2024
I love this book!! 💗💗💗💗
May 22, 2011
Sophie has come up with a brilliant plan to stop her best friend, Maddie, from going over to the snobbish Nia’s house on a weekend. She knows she has to do something crazy to get Maddie’s attention. Well, writing their personal ‘Hot List’ of the hottest boys and girls of the school on one of their school’s bathroom stall is surely something crazy enough to keep Maddie with her. But while Sophie still feels Maddie growing apart from her, their Hot List has taken the school by storm. Sophie had never thought that the seventh grade would not be much different from the sixth but, the Hot List and Nia are ensuring that it is not so.
Hot List is a novel for the younger teens discussing the changing relations between friends in the middle school. Narrated by Sophie, a typical middle school girl who is neither popular nor totally a nerd, The Hot List is a sweet and enjoyable read. This book is something that all of us can relate to. None of us want our friends to change as we grow up but there comes a time when everything starts changing; the group of friends with whom we had spent most of our time suddenly break up and new groups of friends are formed. These are the feelings which Sophie felt when her best friend, Maddie starts growing apart from her and then there is the fact that her father is seriously dating Nia’s mother, a girl who is not one Sophie’s favourite person. All along the book the reader will understand and connect to Sophie’s feelings. Though at some points I did feel that Sophie was being a bit selfish but as I read on I realised that I too had reacted similarly to the situation Sophie was in. My favourite character of the book would be Squid. It doesn’t matter to him what the people think of him. He lives in his own little world and does things his own way and not the way everyone does it. Another thing that I liked about this book is how accurately it has described the middle school life.
The Hot List was not only well-written but is engaging and memorable. I have read similar books to this one but none have left such an impression on me as this book has. The story may not have been unique but the way it has been told makes it better than any other books. The only complaint I have from this book is that the characters were pretty vaguely described. I couldn’t actually visualise them except maybe Squid. But except this little flaw ‘The Hot List’ is the perfect book for light reading.
Favourite Quotes:
"Honestly, I’m the best person I know at keeping secrets. But I was keeping the answer a secret, even from myself."
“Why do I want to help you? Because I want to prove something to someone who’s extremely lame,” I said which was the true part. “And you’ve got natural potential. The most of any guy in the school.” That was probably the hugest lie I’d ever told.
‘….. Suddenly, I felt a little braver. Maybe because I was thinking of Squid in Mrs. Tate’s class, and how everyone was singing the Spider-Man song along with him. That he completely didn’t care what anyone thought, and that was okay.’
Overall:
Sweet and enjoyable
Recommended?
Yes, to all the younger teens because this is a book which they can completely relate to. Also recommended to the older age group as this is a book which will take them back to their middle school memories.
Hot List is a novel for the younger teens discussing the changing relations between friends in the middle school. Narrated by Sophie, a typical middle school girl who is neither popular nor totally a nerd, The Hot List is a sweet and enjoyable read. This book is something that all of us can relate to. None of us want our friends to change as we grow up but there comes a time when everything starts changing; the group of friends with whom we had spent most of our time suddenly break up and new groups of friends are formed. These are the feelings which Sophie felt when her best friend, Maddie starts growing apart from her and then there is the fact that her father is seriously dating Nia’s mother, a girl who is not one Sophie’s favourite person. All along the book the reader will understand and connect to Sophie’s feelings. Though at some points I did feel that Sophie was being a bit selfish but as I read on I realised that I too had reacted similarly to the situation Sophie was in. My favourite character of the book would be Squid. It doesn’t matter to him what the people think of him. He lives in his own little world and does things his own way and not the way everyone does it. Another thing that I liked about this book is how accurately it has described the middle school life.
The Hot List was not only well-written but is engaging and memorable. I have read similar books to this one but none have left such an impression on me as this book has. The story may not have been unique but the way it has been told makes it better than any other books. The only complaint I have from this book is that the characters were pretty vaguely described. I couldn’t actually visualise them except maybe Squid. But except this little flaw ‘The Hot List’ is the perfect book for light reading.
Favourite Quotes:
"Honestly, I’m the best person I know at keeping secrets. But I was keeping the answer a secret, even from myself."
“Why do I want to help you? Because I want to prove something to someone who’s extremely lame,” I said which was the true part. “And you’ve got natural potential. The most of any guy in the school.” That was probably the hugest lie I’d ever told.
‘….. Suddenly, I felt a little braver. Maybe because I was thinking of Squid in Mrs. Tate’s class, and how everyone was singing the Spider-Man song along with him. That he completely didn’t care what anyone thought, and that was okay.’
Overall:
Sweet and enjoyable
Recommended?
Yes, to all the younger teens because this is a book which they can completely relate to. Also recommended to the older age group as this is a book which will take them back to their middle school memories.
March 31, 2013
Review Posted on Reading Lark 7/4/11: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2011/...
The Hot List is a perfect summer read for middle grades readers and upper elementary readers. The book is free of older teen situations and language. As a middle school teacher, I wish more books were out there like this for me to recommend to my students. Middle school kids are at that odd stage of life where they aren't really babies anymore but they aren't always ready to tackle some of the serious issues raised in YA literature. Finding good Middle Grades reads can often be a challenge. Hillary Homzie is doing her part to help fill this need. Homzie is a strong writer who creates likable, realistic characters and a relevant plot.
Middle school is a rough time for so many adolescents. I can remember my middle school days being full of friendship drama, stress over classes, crushes, and trying to find my niche. The Hot List brings all of those issues to light as we get to see the story through the eyes of seventh grader, Sophie. Sophie also has it a little rougher than many students since her Dad is her principal and he happens to be dating her math teacher. To make matters worse, Nia, the daughter of the math teacher, is the Queen Bee who seems intent on making Sophie miserable.
I love how Homzie was able to bring these characters and story alive. She stayed true to what these experiences would feel like to a middle grades kid while showing that while middle school is a period of major transitions for us all - that in the end - everything will work out okay. Kids often get so wrapped up in the moment that they often don't have the foresight to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I also loved how this book takes a really in depth look at the elements that go into a friendship. Girls, in particular, often let various issues and drama separate them from each other. I can remember so many instances of that happening in my own life. I truly related to Sophie; I felt a lot like her as a 7th grader. I wish books like this one had existed for me back then. It would have been nice to know that others - even fictional characters - could understand my emotions and thoughts. Finally, I love that this book could be the start of some great conversations between teachers and students as well as parents and tweens.
One Last Gripe: I hope there is a sequel because I don't feel like the issues between Sophie and Nia have been totally resolved. I feel like there is more story there.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: I loved watching Sophie learn more about herself and mature throughout the story.
First Sentence: Maddie and I came up with the Hot List one morning after a sleepover at my house.
Favorite Character: Sophie
Least Favorite Character: Nia
The Hot List is a perfect summer read for middle grades readers and upper elementary readers. The book is free of older teen situations and language. As a middle school teacher, I wish more books were out there like this for me to recommend to my students. Middle school kids are at that odd stage of life where they aren't really babies anymore but they aren't always ready to tackle some of the serious issues raised in YA literature. Finding good Middle Grades reads can often be a challenge. Hillary Homzie is doing her part to help fill this need. Homzie is a strong writer who creates likable, realistic characters and a relevant plot.
Middle school is a rough time for so many adolescents. I can remember my middle school days being full of friendship drama, stress over classes, crushes, and trying to find my niche. The Hot List brings all of those issues to light as we get to see the story through the eyes of seventh grader, Sophie. Sophie also has it a little rougher than many students since her Dad is her principal and he happens to be dating her math teacher. To make matters worse, Nia, the daughter of the math teacher, is the Queen Bee who seems intent on making Sophie miserable.
I love how Homzie was able to bring these characters and story alive. She stayed true to what these experiences would feel like to a middle grades kid while showing that while middle school is a period of major transitions for us all - that in the end - everything will work out okay. Kids often get so wrapped up in the moment that they often don't have the foresight to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I also loved how this book takes a really in depth look at the elements that go into a friendship. Girls, in particular, often let various issues and drama separate them from each other. I can remember so many instances of that happening in my own life. I truly related to Sophie; I felt a lot like her as a 7th grader. I wish books like this one had existed for me back then. It would have been nice to know that others - even fictional characters - could understand my emotions and thoughts. Finally, I love that this book could be the start of some great conversations between teachers and students as well as parents and tweens.
One Last Gripe: I hope there is a sequel because I don't feel like the issues between Sophie and Nia have been totally resolved. I feel like there is more story there.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: I loved watching Sophie learn more about herself and mature throughout the story.
First Sentence: Maddie and I came up with the Hot List one morning after a sleepover at my house.
Favorite Character: Sophie
Least Favorite Character: Nia
September 2, 2011
About the Book: Sophie can feel her friendship with best friend Maddie changing now that they're in seventh grade. Maddie is hanging out with popular girl Nia more and Sophie will do anything to keep things the same. So when she suggests posting their secret "Hot List" at the school, Sophie thinks their secret will keep them close. Instead, it propels the "Hot List" into the ultimate decision list for the middle school and now someone else is adding to the list. Not knowing what else to do, Sophie makes a bet with Nia that she can get anyone on the list. So Nia challenges Sophie to transform dorky, not cool Squid into a Hot Lister, or else embarrass herself in front of her crush.
GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: At it's core, The Hot List is a story about friendship. Middle school is a strange time to navigate friendships as people change and find new interests, and Hillary Homzie nails that awkwardness perfectly. You don't want to give up the friends you've always known, but how do you let go and make new ones? And can you actually be friends with someone new? And what about being popular and cool-doesn't that count for everything?
What I liked most was the story with Squid and being true to yourself. This isn't a makeover story where the makeover changes them for good, but instead, the makeover helps them see what was best to begin with.
At times the story seemed to not know exactly what it wanted to be, but it got there in the end. Sophie learns to be confident, which I think middle schoolers can relate to. A fun, light tween read perfect for readers looking for a book about tricky middle school friendships.
GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: At it's core, The Hot List is a story about friendship. Middle school is a strange time to navigate friendships as people change and find new interests, and Hillary Homzie nails that awkwardness perfectly. You don't want to give up the friends you've always known, but how do you let go and make new ones? And can you actually be friends with someone new? And what about being popular and cool-doesn't that count for everything?
What I liked most was the story with Squid and being true to yourself. This isn't a makeover story where the makeover changes them for good, but instead, the makeover helps them see what was best to begin with.
At times the story seemed to not know exactly what it wanted to be, but it got there in the end. Sophie learns to be confident, which I think middle schoolers can relate to. A fun, light tween read perfect for readers looking for a book about tricky middle school friendships.
April 8, 2011
THE HOT LIST is a cute, fun book about the complications of middle school life. Think your life is complicated? Think about this: dad is the principal of your middle school…he’s dating one of your teachers…who is the mom of one of the popular girls…who is now becoming best friends with your best friend.
This is what’s happening to Sophie, and she decides to do something to keep her best friend, Maddie, her best friend. Sophie creates The Hot List, listing all the cutest and coolest at their middle school. But then the list takes on a life of its own (literally—a new list pops up each month and no one, not even Sophie, knows who is writing it), turning once unknowns into top-tier popular kids, things start to get complicated. What Sophie really wants is for Maddie to be her best friend again, and it’ll take a miracle—-like getting Squid Rodriguez on The Hot List—-to win her back.
I liked how Sophie wasn’t a perfect character—she made mistakes and wasn’t always sugar-sweet. Nia, the teacher’s daughter and Maddie’s new best friend, isn’t the typical mean, snotty popular girl, even if Sophie calls her the CEO of the popular girls. She has a real sweetness to her despite the fact that she did sort of take Maddie from Sophie.
I’m also really loving this cover. It’s different from the other M!X covers with the silhouettes in the background. Very chic!
This is what’s happening to Sophie, and she decides to do something to keep her best friend, Maddie, her best friend. Sophie creates The Hot List, listing all the cutest and coolest at their middle school. But then the list takes on a life of its own (literally—a new list pops up each month and no one, not even Sophie, knows who is writing it), turning once unknowns into top-tier popular kids, things start to get complicated. What Sophie really wants is for Maddie to be her best friend again, and it’ll take a miracle—-like getting Squid Rodriguez on The Hot List—-to win her back.
I liked how Sophie wasn’t a perfect character—she made mistakes and wasn’t always sugar-sweet. Nia, the teacher’s daughter and Maddie’s new best friend, isn’t the typical mean, snotty popular girl, even if Sophie calls her the CEO of the popular girls. She has a real sweetness to her despite the fact that she did sort of take Maddie from Sophie.
I’m also really loving this cover. It’s different from the other M!X covers with the silhouettes in the background. Very chic!
Currently Reading
February 14, 2016This book is very interesting Sophie has a best friend Maddie and they have been best friends for along time. Then Nia a new girl came and was trying to make Maddie as her friend so Nia and Maddie can try to make Sophie jealous. Before Maddie became nia's friend maddie and Sophie wrote a hot list with all the people that they like. They promised each other that they would not tell anyone. One day Maddie told nia and nia said something about the hot list to Sophie, Sophie got really mad at Maddie. The next month Sophie heard that someone else was making another hot list, Sophie knew that it was Maddie and nia it ended up that it was not them. Then Nia told Sophie that she had to make squid get on the hot list. She did not so in the car she has to wear a pink tiara a pink boa and say her crushes name
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2011
Hillary Homzie places us squarely inside the mind of girl tweens with her new book, The Hot List. When the protagonist, Sophie, invents a ploy to keep her best friend, Maddie, it turns into a fad, and she finds herself “out” rather than “in.” Struggling to recover, she learns about herself and life.
Homzie has captured the voice, thoughts and hyper-sensitivity of pre-teen girls with an authenticity that is just short of amazing. She marries voice, language and humor into a story that moves quickly and is simply fun to read. The characters are a treat. You’ll commiserate with Sophie, laugh at Squid, wonder about Blue and learn to live with Nia. It’s a delightful book, written for girls and about girls.
April 7, 2011
I'm a tough book critic and as an adult, I loved the book!
It was a realistic and engaging look at the issues that teens face as they grow into their new social skins.
Nothing like a great story to drive home the point that relationships are complex and people are not always what they seem on the surface.
Homzie deals with real issues in real and believable ways with characters that could easily be MY kids.
And did I mention it was a great read?
I checked the book out for my own daughter and it get's the big thumbs up from Mom.
Not just a dumbed down story. Great pacing, great storyline, great ending.
It was a realistic and engaging look at the issues that teens face as they grow into their new social skins.
Nothing like a great story to drive home the point that relationships are complex and people are not always what they seem on the surface.
Homzie deals with real issues in real and believable ways with characters that could easily be MY kids.
And did I mention it was a great read?
I checked the book out for my own daughter and it get's the big thumbs up from Mom.
Not just a dumbed down story. Great pacing, great storyline, great ending.
May 17, 2011
I have two very finicky and difficult 'tween twin girls. With a world of distractions they are very hard to convince that reading is a worthwhile pastime. But I try to get them to stop texting and read at least one book a month.
I'm so glad I came across The Hot List. I bought this author's previous book, Things Gonna Get Ugly and my daughter's loved that book too.
They are not much on sharing so I got them a copy each. After reading in separate parts of the house they actually came together and talked about the book. A miracle!
This author really nails it for 'tween girls and what they find interesting. Highly recommended. Thank you.
I'm so glad I came across The Hot List. I bought this author's previous book, Things Gonna Get Ugly and my daughter's loved that book too.
They are not much on sharing so I got them a copy each. After reading in separate parts of the house they actually came together and talked about the book. A miracle!
This author really nails it for 'tween girls and what they find interesting. Highly recommended. Thank you.
Read
March 14, 2011Okay, so I gave my book five stars. If I don't like my book then....well, then I would have problems. I think it's a fun, entertaining sweet read about seventh grade friendship. And the truth is I put in the five stars and now I can't clear it so I figured I'd just run with this!
April 17, 2012
I kept hoping that the main character was going to get a bit of a comeuppance here, like suddenly coming to the revelation that she's really the one who's the bully. She picks on her best friend incessantly and then wonders why she's pulling away. This moment never came, and I was disappointed.
Read
December 7, 2010Reading this book was truly a memorable experience.
March 8, 2011
This is a true "middle school" read. I encourage parents of Tweens to get this this for their kids - it's fun novel for girls 10 - 13 years old - that has a message that has substance.
April 8, 2011
A true to Tween story on friendship, boys, and enemies that makes you hate and love middle school all over again :)
May 10, 2011
This is one of the 4 tween books I won at a blog giveaway. It was a cute read. I'm enjoying reading these books with my daughter!
August 26, 2013
this book taught me that gossip isn't good and keeping your mouth to yourself rather thank putting it in other peoples' nosiness is for the better.
March 16, 2014
Good book. Cute, fun ,funny
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews