The Popularity Papers: Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham Chang
The Popularity Papers is an interesting story told from the
perspective of two best friends who are just outside the ‘in crowd’ and looking
in on the lives of those in the popular group and what makes them so much
cooler and better than everyone else. In this journal like story, two fifth
grade friends are determined to find out the secrets and the inner workings of
what it takes to be popular at their middle school. Through observations,
recording and mimicking the attitude and demeanor of the popular girls, Lydia
and Julie research every move of the popular girls at school because, ‘when
you’re popular, you’re just better.’ Styled with heavy illustrations and in a
notebook fashion, learn the inner workings of the in crowd, the importance of
the social hierarchy of preteens and follow Lydia and Julie on their quest for
popularity and where it leads them.
In the same fashion as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this story focuses on the importance of
social hierarchy in middle school. I think it’s safe to say that when it comes
to writing books (specifically series) for tweens today, authors stick to the
same basic themes. Many series that are intended for a tween audience, the
story is most likely going to focus on how to navigate middle school and
primarily center on the popular crowd and the main character’s relation to
those in the popular crowd. While this may be an important part of a twelve old
girls life, it’s important to challenge them intellectually. Letting them read
story after story that is essentially the same thing, I think it’s important to
emphasize a well rounded reading experience. Although, I enjoyed this story
more than the others I think it’s time to turn the focus on a different aspect
of life in middle school.
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