Fat Hoochie Prom Queen
by Nico Medina

    FAT HOOCHIE PROM QUEEN by Nico Medina
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  5/6/08
    Publisher:  Simon Pulse
    Reviewed by:  Carrie Spellman
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Margarita Antonia Diaz is a big, beautiful, and proud Latina woman.  Okay, she's still in high school, so maybe not a
    woman, but definitely more than a girl.  Either way, this is Margarita's senior year, and everything is perfect!  She
    has Lucas, her fabulously gay best friend; she has amazing clothes, thanks to her talented designer of an older sister;
    the cute boy seems to be noticing her; and really, no one can help but love Margarita.  

    Except maybe Bridget Benson.  Bridget and Margarita were best friends when they were little kids.  Both were
    child actors and Bridget got a part that Margarita wanted.  They've hardly spoken since.  Not that Margarita didn't
    try, but it's been a long time, and the hurt has turned into anger.  Somehow, during a huge confrontation at a party,
    Bridget and Margarita end up daring each other to compete for Prom Queen.  Suddenly senior year is looking much
    more dramatic.

    Margarita gets sucked into competing for popularity, and more than loses her perspective.  In fact, she's beginning
    to think she's losing herself.  Though not in poundage, despite her mother's best efforts to irritate and prod and serve
    the blandest, most boring food ever!  When her dad gets sick unexpectedly, Margarita's great year has officially
    collapsed.  What else can go wrong?  Sometimes it's better not to ask, but Margarita has way too much personality
    to not pull through, right?

    I love Margarita!  I want to hang out with her every day.  She feels like a real person from the first paragraph.  She
    has such a unique, strong, hilarious voice and point of view.  I felt like I was listening to her talk, not reading a story.

    I love this book!  It is honest, and sweet, and evil, and hilarious!  This is real high school, with drunken parties,
    swearing, gayness, cattiness, pettiness, crushes, frustration, and serious attitude.  And, really, how can you not love
    the title?  

    I fully intend to go out and buy any other book I can find by Nico Medina.  If you don't want to go that far, you
    should at least read this one.  It's way too much fun to miss!