Summary: The Unofficial Lola Bay Fan Club
Sixth graders Iris and her best friend Leeza love singer Lola Bay. But after some mean girls take over their plan to start an official Lola Bay fan club, the girls befriend eighth-grader Dana, who says she’s starting an “unofficial” fan club. Leeza quickly gets bored and finds other interests, while Iris is delighted to be friends with an older girl. But soon, Dana’s actions start to worry Iris. She keeps hacking into websites, then she uses Iris’s parents’ credit card to buy tour tickets! Can Iris find help before it’s too late?
The Good
I loved the unique angle of this story. It also terrified me just thinking of how much trouble kids can get themselves into—not gonna lie. Iris’s love for Lola Bay was a tad obsessive, and I liked the way her parents tried to look out for her throughout her friendship with Dana. I do think they could have done more, though.
Dana was an interesting character–one of those kids we mark as problematic but who obviously had issues at home. Regardless, I didn’t feel like her family’s situation excused her actions. She crossed so many lines, actually endangering Iris and her family.
The author does a wonderful job of capturing tween angst as Iris struggles to find independence from her parents and enjoy her own interests. I really liked the realistic resolution and the fact that we actually get to meet the famous Lola Bay–and get a glimpse behind the curtain of fame!
Overall: The Unofficial Lola Bay Fan Club
The Unofficial Lola Bay Fan Club is a chilling look at the power of celebrity fandom and toxic friendships. I see many tween girls devouring this title! It was one of this year’s summer reading guide picks. If you’re looking for an immersive summer middle grade read, this is for you!
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