2015 Nonfiction Award: Popular by Maya Van Wagenen

 

Van Wagenen, Maya. (2014). Popular a memoir Vintage wisdom for a modern geek. New York: Penguin Group.
Maya has never been popular. But before starting eighth grade, she decides to begin a unique social experiment: spend the school year following a 1950s popularity guide, written by former teen model Betty Cornell.  
The book is funny, gives all kinds of "popularity tips". The definition of "popular" changes as you read the book. It's no longer about looks, it's about being kind. Being kind, friendly and caring on the inside can make you beautiful on the outside. It would be nice to implement this in our schools instead of the hyped up positive behavior incentive. People, just be nice...it's not that hard!

When describing where she fits in on the social ladder of popularity comes my favorite quote, “pretty much the lowest level of people at school who aren’t paid to be here,”. I think that is a statement that every person has experienced at some point in their life. This is told with humor and grace, Maya’s journey offers readers of all ages a thoroughly contemporary example of kindness and self-confidence.