But before starting eighth grade, she decides to begin a unique social experiment: spend the school year following a 1950s popularity guide, written by former teen model Betty Cornell.

Stuck near the bottom of the social ladder at “pretty much the lowest level of people at school who aren’t paid to be here,” Maya has never been popular.

Maybe if I had read it when I was her age, it could have saved me from a world of hurt, or at least put that world in perspective.” -Maude Apatow, New York Times Book ReviewĬan curlers, girdles, Vaseline, and a strand of pearls help a shy girl become popular? “I was inspired by journey and made a point of saving a copy of ‘Popular’ for my sister, who starts middle school this fall. Van Wagenen is a uniquely gifted talent with a gem of a first novel.' -VOYA Reseña del editor:Ģ015 YALSA Award for Excellence in NonfictionĪ breakout teen author explores the true meaning of popularity and how to survive middle school in this hysterically funny, touchingly honest contemporary memoir. 'While completely appropriate for middle school readers, Popular is even more entertaining for adults. ' An interesting and earnest memoir.' - Kirkus Reviews Stunning.' -Margaret Stohl, bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series She's the real deal, folks, a teenage John Green for the next generation.

'Geeky and dorky, but never wimpy, Maya Van Wagenen is as powerful and honest as she is quirky and funny-and startlingly gifted. Funny, determined, and wry, Van Wagenen has written a wise, heartfelt guide for other kids eager to keep up.' -Rachel Hartman, bestselling author of Seraphina Her year-long experiment in popularity is timeless the intelligent and humane way she gets to the heart of the matter is uniquely her. 'Maya Van Wagenen's memoir, Popular, would have been wonderful to read as a kid, and so reassuring to Nerdy Teenage Me. 'Everyone's happiness project looks different, and I was utterly charmed by Maya Van Wagenen's honest, funny, and thought-provoking account of her efforts to become 'popular.'' -Gretchen Rubin, #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project ' Maya's voice is fresh and frank, and her experiences at a middle school near the Mexican border provide an often overlooked perspective.' - Booklist

Vintage wisdom for a modern geek