Myracle, Lauren. Rhymes with witches.

MYRACLE, Lauren. Rhymes with witches. Abrams, Amulet Books. c2005.0-8109-5859-7. 208p. $16.95. S

The story follows freshman high school student Jane and her quest to be part of a highly popular foursome called the Bitches. At the start of the school year, Jane and her friend Alicia would love to hate the three popular girls but just can't. Despite the fact that they are the elite of cliques, they are also genuinely beloved by students and teachers alike. But what soon becomes clear is that there is nothing genuine about them; in fact there is something almost supernatural about their ability to find themselves the center of attention. Jane does not believe in the supernatural aspects of their popularity, but when she is asked to join the group she begins to understand how the girls are able to maintain their popularity, and it is a price that Jane does not think she is willing to pay. But she is also not willing to lose her position in the clique until she becomes witness to a personal vendetta that gives all the signs of becoming a violent confrontation. Bitsy, one of the chosen four, has decided to confront Camilla, a classmate who is constantly being ridiculed. Jane does what she believes to be the right thing, but finds out that neither Bitsy nor Camilla appreciates the intervention. While Jane's struggle would provide good discussion for middle school readers, there is strong adult language used throughout the novel. Janis Flint-Ferguson, Assoc. Prof. of English, Gordon College, Wenham, MA

S--Recommended for senior high school students.