From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9-Cathy Hopkins's second title in the series (Simon Pulse, 2003) about three 14-year-old friends who live in London takes place in the weeks leading up to Christmas and is told through the eyes of Izzie, a cosmically aware, vegetarian songwriter. While shopping in the mall for essential oils as a holiday gift for her friends, Lucy and Nesta, Izzie meets Mark and develops her first instant crush. Cathy Hopkins brings excitement, tension, and a strong dose of girl empowerment into Izzie's constant waiting for Mark to call. Ultimately, care from supportive parents and intervention by her friends help Izzie see that she shouldn't be putting her life on hold for a boy she hardly knows. Amanda Hulme, Australian theatre actress, provides an age-appropriate voice for Izzie, who is both bold and doubt ridden. Her excellent narration is crisp and fun and will certainly have teen appeal. The British slang can be easily understood in context.
Cosmic Kisses stands on its own, and it's not necessary for listeners to be familiar with the first title in the series,
Mates, Dates, and Inflatable Bras (May 2005, p. 67). For fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Louise Rennison, and Sue Limb.-
Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
When teenager Izzie Foster falls head over heels for a new boy, she becomes a new person, and not a well-liked one, according to her two best friends. Amanda Hulme narrates Izzie's story, avidly capturing the angst of first love and the inner monologue of this "junior Bridget Jones." Although this is a fluffy story of romantic wishes, featuring horoscopes, hopeful spells, and overemotionalism, there is a painful lesson on true friendship and finding oneself. Hulme never misses a beat when changing characters, girl or boy, as Hopkins captures an awkward but endearing adolescent. D.L.M. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
