For a child navigating the tricky balance of keeping a big secret while trying to fit in, this book explores the pressures of social circles and budding romance.
A parent might reach for this book for a child who is trying to balance a special talent with the desire to fit in socially. It's a great fit for any young reader who feels they have a 'secret' part of their identity they're afraid to share with friends. The story follows Emma Rose, a seemingly ordinary middle schooler who is secretly a hot new fashion designer. When she's hired to design a dress for a popular classmate, she must go undercover as her own intern, leading to a cascade of comical and stressful situations. The book lightly explores themes of honesty, friendship, self-confidence, and the pressures of middle school social life. It's a fun, low-stakes read that celebrates creativity and ultimately encourages kids to be proud of what makes them unique.
Protagonist consistently lies to her best friend and family to maintain her secret identity.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with themes of social pressure, cliques, and the ethics of lying to loved ones. The approach is direct but lighthearted, framed within the relatable context of middle school friendships. The conflict is not deeply traumatic; it's more about social anxiety. The resolution is hopeful, with Emma learning the value of honesty and finding a way to integrate her two worlds.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 9-12 year old who is passionate about art, design, or another creative pursuit. This child might be navigating the shift from elementary to middle school social structures and feeling the pressure to conform, perhaps even hiding their unique interests to fit in. They enjoy stories about friendship, light romance, and wish-fulfillment.
Parent Prep
No specific prep is needed; the book can be read cold. The themes are straightforward and age-appropriate. A parent might want to be ready to discuss why Emma felt she had to lie to her best friend, and explore healthier ways to handle similar situations. A parent has heard their child say, "My friends would think it's weird," or has noticed their child downplaying a hobby they once loved in front of new friends. The child is struggling with how to be their authentic self while also belonging to a group.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely focus on the fun, sitcom-like premise of being a secret designer and the humor of the undercover plot. An older reader (11-12) will connect more with the social dynamics, the stress of keeping the secret, the relatable friendship conflicts, and the budding romance with Jackson.
What Makes It Special
While many books feature a secret identity, this one's 'undercover as your own intern' hook provides a unique and humorous twist. Unlike stories where the protagonist must abandon their passion to be popular, this book is a celebration of a young girl's talent and career ambition, framing her creativity as her superpower.
Read plot summary
Eighth-grader Emma Rose leads a double life as the anonymous, up-and-coming fashion designer Allegra Biscotti. When the most popular girl at school, Holly, hires Allegra to design her Sweet Sixteen dress, Emma is forced to go undercover as Allegra’s awkward intern to get close to her client. She must navigate the complexities of lying to her best friend, dealing with the in-crowd, and managing a budding crush on a cute boy named Jackson, all while trying to design the perfect dress and keep her massive secret from unraveling.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Emma chose the name Allegra Biscotti for her secret identity. If you had a secret identity for your biggest talent, what would your name be and why?
2
When Emma lies to her best friend, she does it to protect her secret, but it ends up hurting their friendship. Do you think it's ever okay to lie to protect a secret? Why or why not?
3
Emma has to act like an 'intern' for herself, meaning she has to pretend to be less skilled than she is. How would it feel to have to hide your biggest talent from everyone?
4
At the end of the book, Emma starts to find a balance between her real life and her designer life. What advice would you give a friend who was trying to balance a big secret with school and friendships?
