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&mdash-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? Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 8-10-Tired of bouncing from foster family to foster family, Kate, 14, is trying to make it in her new placement in Bed-Sty, Brooklyn. She's finally getting good grades and has a great friend in good-girl Felicia. When Felicia goes away for the summer, fly-girl Naleejah befriends Kate, winning her over by giving her a makeover and teaching her how to grab the attention of her longtime crush. But when Kate lies and goes to a house party on Long Island, she risks her newfound stability. Characterizations are strong, and voices realistic. There are some sexual situations and drug use, but Kate seems to have her head on straight. Through her, Jordan sends a message about doing the right thing, which sometimes seems a bit preachy. The outcome of Kate's story is positive, and those looking for soft street-lit titles will find the book appealing.-Emily Anne Valente, New York Public Library Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Having bounced repeatedly between juvie and foster homes, Kate has decided to lose her gangsta image. Her new social worker and her new foster parents have helped bring on this transformation, but even their powerful influence pales next to that of her stylish new friend, Naleejah. Jordan only occasionally waxes didactic in this story of a young, African American woman striving to make a future for herself against huge odds. Both Kate and Naleejah, a bad influence, are complex characters. Kate, with her fiery temper and uncanny ability to self-destruct, contrasts with needy Naleejah, neglected by her parents after her sister's death. With authentic dialogue and honest situations, this will resonate with teens, although some readers may be puzzled by Kate's strong willpower against a guy's sexual advances when that same steeliness is so difficult to muster in other situations. Many readers, though, will unconsciously absorb some of Kate's grit, determination, and hope by the end of this realistic novel.--Bradburn, Frances Copyright 2008 Booklist From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.