The Rise and Fall of a 10th-Grade Social Climber

by Lauren Mechling and Laura Moser

Book Overview

After the collapse of her parents' marriage, Mimi Schulman leaves her mother in Houston to look after her befuddled photographer father in New York. Too preoccupied with family problems to think much about her new life, Mimi's first hour at The Baldwin School--an institution where teachers offer psychoanalysis in lieu of grades and students hold cocktail parties in the bathroom between classes--leaves her spinning.

When Sam, her childhood...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618555196
• ISBN13: 9780618555192
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 290 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

looooved it...

I graduated from highschool quite a while ago, but this book was a very, very fun read. Mimi has that perfect mix of insecurity and confidence that creates an engaging main character, and allows for the development of poignant relationships with the people surrounding her. By the fifth page, I wanted to meet her. By the last page, I wanted to be her friend. I highly recommend this book!

Brilliant Debut Novel

I'm twice the age of the target audience (and male) but I devoured this in a single sitting. Best debut since Goodbye Columbus. I forever have a window into the soul of the teenage female (and i like the view!). Laughed so loud I disturbed my Brooklyn neighbors. It's the antidote to "Kids". Highly recommended for all ages and genders!

Good

If you like the Gossip Girl Series, then you will love this book. MimiDeals with being the new kid at her new school in New York after her parents get divorced and she moves from Texas to live with her father. Follow her on her journey as she gets picked up dropped and picked up by the "A list" girls in the tenth grade. Like I said, its similar to Gossip Girls, both are great reads for girls in thier mid to upper teens.

Completely Realistic

The characters came alive. I thought they were very very realistic. I especially loved the ending. The thoughts of Mimi are so funny, so real and her doubts and ego go across the board to every one's own insecurities. Mimi is so lovable and just like the rest of us stumbling around trying to find her way. I have a 16 year old God daughter, who was reflected in each one of the characters. Highly recommend this to every one, every age.

Review by Susannah 14 years old

I read this book and found it fascinating! I would recommend this book to all teenagers. This book is different from most teen fiction because most teen fiction books have unrealistic endings or the main character has amazing good luck. In this book, the reader can relate to the character. This book was also suspenseful. I could not put it down, it was a page-turner. It influenced and inspired me for my first year in high school. Like any girl entering a new school, I was worried who I would hang out with. I am more comfortable and not as nervous now that I have read this book.