From Publishers Weekly
Ten years ago, Abby was "Cookie Baynes," the nation's best-loved child star. Now she is a gawky teenager whose ambitious stage mother won't let her grow out of her former role. Abby still dreams of starring in films--but as a sophisticated comedienne, not an overgrown tot. Few readers will be surprised to find that by the novel's end Abby has extricated herself from her bossy parent's grasp and has been favored with the sort of lucky break that leads to stardom. Glittering details of life in 1940s Hollywood are almost enough to make up for the abundance of melodramatic plot twists and one-dimensional characters found here. This is the first in the Hollywood Daughters series. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 7-10-- Abby Baynes, at age 17, is a "has been"--a child star grown out of her image as the sensational "Cookie" Baynes, once as popular as Shirley Temple and Judy Garland. Unfortunately, Abby's mother refuses to accept the fact that Abby is no longer in : demand by her once-adoring fans. Never one to give up, she makes Abby dress in little-girl taffeta dresses and patent leather Mary Janes and perform her old routines at any function into which her agent can get her booked. Abby yearns to shed her little-girl image and try to break into stand-up comedy, but is afraid to defy her domineering mother. Set in 1942, this story follows Abby through a few important months in her life as she, with the help of a friend, gradually gains confidence in her abilities and own wishes. Although readers may become frustrated with Abby's compliance and her too-sweet attitude towards her brother, those who enjoyed Myers' Crystal (Viking, 1987) will be interested in reading about another teen's venture into stardom as well as her self-examination and resolution of complicated situations. --Dana McDougald, Cedar Shoals High School, Athens, GA
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
