Popular How a Geek in Pearls Discovered the Secret to Confidence

In 'Popular,' Maya Van Wagenen shares her candid and often hilarious memoir about navigating the treacherous social landscape of middle school. Feeling at the bottom of the social ladder, Maya decides to conduct a year-long social experiment, meticulously following a 1950s popularity guide written by former teen model Betty Cornell. Readers will follow her as she attempts to incorporate curlers, girdles, and pearls into her daily routine, leading to both awkward and surprisingly heartwarming results. The book beautifully explores themes of self-confidence, kindness, and the true meaning of popularity, culminating in an unexpected friendship with Betty Cornell herself. While the book contains mild profanity and mentions school violence, these elements are handled within the context of a realistic middle school experience and serve to highlight Maya's journey of resilience and self-discovery. It's an empowering read for tweens and young teens grappling with identity and belonging.