Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed The Allegra Biscotti Collection (Allegra Biscotti Collection, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Emma wants to be a fashion designer more than anything. She has a small room at her father's warehouse where she designs and sews clothes. Every day on the way to school, she creates the ultimate fashion outfit from taking different pieces she sees and changing them to fit her style.
When a famous fashionista comes down to her father's warehouse and stumbles upon her designs, it's almost miraculous. Except for one small detail: it's hard to be a fashion designer when you're only in eighth grade.
On the spot, Emma makes up the secret identity of Allegra Biscotti for her designs. Now, she's exchanging texts with a fashion editor from Madison magazine for a feature interview. After the interview airs, the editor asks for three unique items from her Spring Collection.
Her friend, Charlie, helps her keep her lies straight and helps create a business persona. He's the only one who knows the truth. Emma can't risk telling her BFF, Holly, because Holly's infiltrating the popular crowd. As much as she tries to bring Emma into the group, Emma resists. She can't stand how superficial the girls can be, and she can't stand how they're supposed to be best friends while they're mean to each other.
As the deadline looms, Emma's not sure she can finish creating these pieces.
I really enjoyed this book - the first in a new series dealing with friendship drama, lies, fashion, and decisions about the future.
Emma wants to be a fashion designer more than anything. She has a small room at her father's warehouse where she designs and sews clothes. Every day on the way to school, she creates the ultimate fashion outfit from taking different pieces she sees and changing them to fit her style.
When a famous fashionista comes down to her father's warehouse and stumbles upon her designs, it's almost miraculous. Except for one small detail: it's hard to be a fashion designer when you're only in eighth grade.
On the spot, Emma makes up the secret identity of Allegra Biscotti for her designs. Now, she's exchanging texts with a fashion editor from Madison magazine for a feature interview. After the interview airs, the editor asks for three unique items from her Spring Collection.
Her friend, Charlie, helps her keep her lies straight and helps create a business persona. He's the only one who knows the truth. Emma can't risk telling her BFF, Holly, because Holly's infiltrating the popular crowd. As much as she tries to bring Emma into the group, Emma resists. She can't stand how superficial the girls can be, and she can't stand how they're supposed to be best friends while they're mean to each other.
As the deadline looms, Emma's not sure she can finish creating these pieces.
I really enjoyed this book - the first in a new series dealing with friendship drama, lies, fashion, and decisions about the future.
Kristin D. (kdurham2813) reviewed The Allegra Biscotti Collection (Allegra Biscotti Collection, Bk 1) on + 753 more book reviews
A middle grade read that kept me laughing and falling in love with the characters until the last page. If you are a follower of this blog, you know that I don't tend to read middle grade books, but this is one not to pass on. I loved the story of a girl who is an outsider, but finds joy in her talents even though some may say she is too young to be a professional.
The trial and tribulations of high school mixed with the dream of becoming a fashion designer seemed believeable and endearing. More often than not, the reason I don't read this genre is because there is a lack of realistic voice and context - not so with this one, she hit the voice and the drama of that age dead on. I was transported back to that time in my life and made me wonder what things I dreamed of and what pushed my buttons that I wish I had overcome. Such a sweet character, full of honesty.
The random drawings throughout the book gave it character and made you even more connected with Emma Rose - you were in her mind as she sketched what she saw.
I will definitely be looking for the next in this series. A great read for the younger audience as a motivator to dream and how to deal with the mess that life can throw at you.
The trial and tribulations of high school mixed with the dream of becoming a fashion designer seemed believeable and endearing. More often than not, the reason I don't read this genre is because there is a lack of realistic voice and context - not so with this one, she hit the voice and the drama of that age dead on. I was transported back to that time in my life and made me wonder what things I dreamed of and what pushed my buttons that I wish I had overcome. Such a sweet character, full of honesty.
The random drawings throughout the book gave it character and made you even more connected with Emma Rose - you were in her mind as she sketched what she saw.
I will definitely be looking for the next in this series. A great read for the younger audience as a motivator to dream and how to deal with the mess that life can throw at you.
