In or Out (In or Out Series #1) by Claudia Gabel

Publishers Weekly

Gabel's debut novel centers on two longtime best friends with very different perspectives about entering ninth grade. Shy, timid Nola, who "usually went unnoticed in a crowd," is terrified of starting high school. Self-confident, boy-crazy Marnie, who has always lived in the shadow of her popular older sister, is excited to "totally reinvent herself." She assures Nola that they will soon become "two of the most popular girls in our class.... And of course, no matter what happens, we'll always have each other." The story follows a predictable path, as Marnie worms her way into the popular posse, led by mean girl Lizette, who possesses the power to decide "what's in and what's out, not to mention who'sin and who's out." Nola, of course, is "out," and is crushed when her "in" pal increasingly ignores her. She finds solace in the attention that a kind, cute boy pays her, yet again feels let down when she discovers that he has a long-distance girlfriend. Meanwhile, Marnie reels in a "preppie demigod and all-around amazing" sophomore, who of course (Nola discovers) is a bit of a cad. The tale brims with references to fashion and pop culture. Gabel ably captures each girl's point of view and she leaves several strands of plot hanging-unresolved issues that will be taken up in the second installment, due this fall. Ages 12-up. (June)

Children's Literature

Best friends since forever, Marnie and Nola are about to learn that in high school, you're either in or out. In things include: hot upperclassmen, vintage denim, Lizette Levin, and (maybe) Marnie. Out things include: shaggy-haired musicians, handmade jewelry, Lizette Levin's enemies, and (maybe) Nola. It is time to pick sides. This is a present-day, true-to-life story about early high school relationships and what youth will do to fit in. Sometimes even close longtime friends do not fit in with the path that looks good. This teen-oriented story asks the tough, ageless question: What do you do with old friends if your path takes you in a different direction? What do you do and how do you not hurt people? Teens will likely recognize the sense of difficulty because of growing and changing. This is a good, up-to-date reflective story.

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