The Secret Rites of Social Butterflies
by Lizabeth Zindel
by Lizabeth Zindel
THE SECRET RITES OF SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES by Lizabeth Zindel
Category: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 5/15/08
Publisher: Viking
Reviewed by: Jaglvr
Rating: 5 Stars
Maggie Wishnick has moved from a small town in New Jersey to the Big Apple and is about to start as a senior at the
prestigious Berkley Prep. On her first day, she meets Anne Marie, who is smart and friendly, but not one of the powerful
girls of Berkley. Those girls would be Victoria, Lexi, and Sydney. But those three treat Maggie as if she is invisible.
After hearing about a secret, invitation-only party being given by Victoria on the gym bus, Maggie crashes the party. Not
only does she meet Connor, a super hot boy, but she also saves the day when the cops come to trash the party and
Victoria, Lexi, and Sydney need a place to hide out.
After that fateful night, the three popular girls embrace Maggie, much to her surprise. After a pledge week for Maggie, she
is accepted into their tight group, that they’ve named the Revelers. The girls help Maggie capture Connor’s attention, and
learn how to be more fashionable and popular.
But the girls have secrets. And not just secrets of their own. But secrets on everyone they go to school with. And on one
fateful night, all of the secrets are revealed, and Maggie is on the outside once again.
Each chapter of the book begins with interesting facts on the life cycle and migration pattern of butterflies, reminiscent of
Sue Monk Kidd’s THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES. And for those wanting more information, the references are listed for
more details.
The story of the new girl wanting to join in with the popular girls and then something bad happening has been told before,
but Ms. Zindel gives the story more excitement and depth. The reader gets a hint that all is not as it seems, especially with
Victoria, but Ms. Zindel keeps all the details hidden until the night of the party when the secrets are revealed to all. The
story moves along quickly, keeping the reader engrossed. Though you may think that you are supposed to find Victoria,
Lexi, and Sydney to be the evil ones, there really are no truly mean and evil characters that other stories seem to include.
They may not be as innocent and righteous as Maggie, but they do have some good qualities.
This is the first story I’ve read by Ms. Zindel, but growing up, I was a fan of her father’s work. I’m pleased to say that
she has become an author on her own abilities, and I will definitely be checking out GIRL OF THE MOMENT next. For
an entertaining read of life of the rich private school set, this is a great book to pick up!
Category: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 5/15/08
Publisher: Viking
Reviewed by: Jaglvr
Rating: 5 Stars
Maggie Wishnick has moved from a small town in New Jersey to the Big Apple and is about to start as a senior at the
prestigious Berkley Prep. On her first day, she meets Anne Marie, who is smart and friendly, but not one of the powerful
girls of Berkley. Those girls would be Victoria, Lexi, and Sydney. But those three treat Maggie as if she is invisible.
After hearing about a secret, invitation-only party being given by Victoria on the gym bus, Maggie crashes the party. Not
only does she meet Connor, a super hot boy, but she also saves the day when the cops come to trash the party and
Victoria, Lexi, and Sydney need a place to hide out.
After that fateful night, the three popular girls embrace Maggie, much to her surprise. After a pledge week for Maggie, she
is accepted into their tight group, that they’ve named the Revelers. The girls help Maggie capture Connor’s attention, and
learn how to be more fashionable and popular.
But the girls have secrets. And not just secrets of their own. But secrets on everyone they go to school with. And on one
fateful night, all of the secrets are revealed, and Maggie is on the outside once again.
Each chapter of the book begins with interesting facts on the life cycle and migration pattern of butterflies, reminiscent of
Sue Monk Kidd’s THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES. And for those wanting more information, the references are listed for
more details.
The story of the new girl wanting to join in with the popular girls and then something bad happening has been told before,
but Ms. Zindel gives the story more excitement and depth. The reader gets a hint that all is not as it seems, especially with
Victoria, but Ms. Zindel keeps all the details hidden until the night of the party when the secrets are revealed to all. The
story moves along quickly, keeping the reader engrossed. Though you may think that you are supposed to find Victoria,
Lexi, and Sydney to be the evil ones, there really are no truly mean and evil characters that other stories seem to include.
They may not be as innocent and righteous as Maggie, but they do have some good qualities.
This is the first story I’ve read by Ms. Zindel, but growing up, I was a fan of her father’s work. I’m pleased to say that
she has become an author on her own abilities, and I will definitely be checking out GIRL OF THE MOMENT next. For
an entertaining read of life of the rich private school set, this is a great book to pick up!