cover image The Truth About My Success

The Truth About My Success

Dyan Sheldon. Candlewick, $16.99 (352p) ISBN 978-0-7636-7272-0

Sheldon (One or Two Things I Learned About Love) offers a fun, contemporary twist on the “Prince and the Pauper” theme. It all starts when 16-year-old TV star Paloma Rose gets caught up in a scandal. Unbeknownst to Paloma, her narcissistic mother and agent hatch a plan to send her to a rehab center on a remote ranch to prevent more media attention, but they need to find a replacement for Paloma to fool the public. Lookalike Oona Ginness, who waits tables at a coffee shop, seems to fit the bill. Desperately in need of money, Oona agrees to pose as Paloma for a generous salary while Paloma is whisked away to rehab, thinking she’s going on a luxury vacation. Compassionate Oona and self-absorbed Paloma are striking (and entertaining) foils, neither exactly thrilled with her new lifestyle. Luckily, both are smart enough to play a few tricks of their own to get their way. The book’s slightly larger-than-life characters and plot offer some hilarious scenarios as both teens learn a bit about power, greed, compassion, and what they want in life. Ages 12–up. (June)