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St. Martins Griffin November 2008 On Sale: November 11, 2008 224 pages ISBN: 0312382847 EAN: 9780312382841 Paperback Buy at

"Enjoyable, youthful portrayal of life as a teen girl in NYC"

Reviewed by Patricia Woodside
Posted March 12, 2009

Non-Fiction

It's summertime. Kate's best friend is away, enjoying an educational trip to South Africa, one Kate could have been on if she could control her temper. She's crushing on Charles, her homeboy who she's known forever. If only she could get him to see her as more than just his homegirl. Then, there are Kate's foster parents. Her foster father isn't too bad but it would be great if she could only get her foster mother to not send her to yet a fourteenth foster situation but also leave her alone.

Bored and lonely in the hot NY summer, Kate encounters pretty, fashionable, and out of the box Naleejah. Beginning with a makeover that gets Charles's attention, Kate finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into Naleejah's web, which only gets her into trouble. With everybody. As she untangles and disengages herself, Kate comes to terms with who she is and what she wants for her life.

If you grew up in or on the periphery of "the hood" and came from a poor or working class family, you can relate to Kate aka Diamond, the protagonist of HOT GIRL by Dream Jordan. And if you didn't, you'll still relate to the insecurities and conflicts Kate faces, much like those of any red-blooded American teenage girl.

This was a very enjoyable read, a realistic portrayal of what it's like to be a teen growing up in NYC, in its plot, emotion, and language. There's some sexual aspects to the plot and occasionally some rough language but all of it fits with the NY urban environment that I remember all too well. HOT GIRL is a good, youthful read (and a wake-up for parents who aren't paying attention).

Learn more about Hot Girl

SUMMARY

It’s summertime in Bed-Stuy “Do or Die” Brooklyn, and Kate is feeling down in the dumps. Not only is she tired of her raggedy, tomboy image, but she’s also missing her best friend, Felicia, who’s away for the summer. Lonely and not exactly getting along with her new foster mother, Lynn, Kate so badly wants to be out and about, twirling pretty, and partying---and maybe catching the attention of her longtime crush, Charles.

Opportunity knocks one hot summer day when fly-girl Naleejah struts her stuff straight up to Kate and takes a seat. Full of smiles, Naleejah tells Kate that she remembers her from school, but Kate can’t remember ever having such a fabulous chick trying to befriend her. Kate’s suspicion turns to trust once Naleejah gives her a much-needed makeover.

Now a brand-new Kate suddenly has the attention of her dream boy. But is Naleejah checking for him, too? Against Kate’s better judgment, she ignores the warning signs, and continues to let Naleejah lead her down a treacherous path. Soon, what seems like a fun and exciting summer ends up being a harsh reality check. Now Kate must decide how to get back on the right track . . . or is it already too late?

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What do you think about this review?

Hot Girl by Dream Jordan

Reviewed by Patricia Woodside
Posted March 12, 2009

St. Martins Griffin
November 2008
On Sale: November 11, 2008
224 pages
ISBN: 0312382847
EAN: 9780312382841
Paperback

Buy at

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