Have A Little Scotts Valley Fashionista? Book for the Fashionable Kid

By FREYA HOOPER (Star Patcher)

I love “Project Runway”! So when a book came along that has it’s main character competing in a show that is basically “Project Runway” for teens, I was not going to let go by without a read. Fun story and fabulous illustrations make this a go to book for any teen in your life who is enamored with fashion.

Don’t forget to visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com so that you won’t miss a chance to see more books on how newspaper and duck tape can be used to create the perfect party dress!

Title: Chloe by Design: Making the Cut

Author: Margaret Gurevich

Target: Grades 4-8

Series: This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about:
Chloe loves to design clothes and when the show Design Diva’s is casting for a teen show, Chloe can’t wait to audition. But the competition is stiff and her arch rival is also trying to secure a spot. Between rodeo outfits and toy store inspired clothes, Chloe not only has to stay true to her design aesthetic, but also make each design her own. Does she have what it takes to win the New York internship?

Why I love this book:
Ok, two words: “Project Runway.” I have watched every season, so I was thrilled to see a story that took the show’s concept and translated it for teens. It was absolutely entertaining to see what challenges they had to face and how each contestant took their designs in different direction.

The illustrations also elevated the book and were a perfect complement to the story. We get to see Chloe’s concepts as they evolve and then her final design along with her competitors creations. Brooke Hagel did a beautiful job making the illustrations feel like a designer had created them and that we were getting a lucky glimpse into the design book of someone extremely talented.

Who this book is for:
This book is in the YA section, but is perfectly appropriate for tweens. Any kid who loves clothes will not be able to put this one down. I will note that the designers are both boys and girls so even fashionable guys should feel at home with this book.

You thankfully do not need to be an expert seamstress to understand how the contestants took on the design challenges.

Final thoughts:
While I loved the book, I would have liked to see even more “out there” design challenges for the kids.

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!

Previous book columns From Freya Hooper:

Keep Your Readers Reading With This Can’t-Put-Down Historical Novel

For Your Tweens: Fairytales!

Read About the Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower - Twice!

A Record Breaking Kid’s Book

Cooking Up a Great Book for Kids

Picture Book for Dog Lovers

For Your Readers: Book to Inspire Young People

Dear Parents: Books That Make Your Kids Smarter

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