My Life in Pink and Green

Title: My Life in Pink and Green

Author: Lisa Greenwald

Pages: 267

Amulet Books, March 2009

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Recommended to: Girls, 11 and up

Rating: B+

   Twelve-year-old Lucy Desberg can solve nearly any problem, whether it's her best friend's crush, the homecoming queen's hair disaster, or fights between her mom and grandma. But when Lucy overhears that her family's pharmacy is in danger of closing, she knows she has to save it--but how? Then Lucy has an idea--why not use her skills in makeup (she wants to be the next Laura Mercier makeup mogul) to help benefit the pharmacy? Soon, Lucy has customers lining up out the door for all of the dances, parties, bat mitzvahs, weddings, and quinceañeras in Old Mill, but will it be enough to save the pharmacy? Lucy has a killer plan that won't only bring in more income for the family business, but it's also environmentally "green"--but how can she get her mom and grandma to understand that she's serious?

   First off, I loved Lucy. Even though she was just twelve, she had such great spunk and was totally savvy, a real businesswoman. She had a great head on her shoulders, and unlike other characters in middle-grade novels, she made a good point that didn't involve complaining and self-pity: instead of being whiny and obnoxious, I found her to be mature and understandable. 

   This book took me forever to read. The first few chapters were totally on-and-off for me, which I hate, due to buttloads of homework, school, and afterschool activities. Plus I don't really like slow beginnings. But once I actually had time to get into the book, I really started enjoying it: all of the great characters, flowing plot that lacked any bumps or confusion, and a unique storyline, which brings me to my next point.

   I loved how MLIPAG was so different from lots of books in the age group. I really liked how Ms. Greenwald incorporated going green into the story, but at the same time not making it boring or annoying. I liked how realistic the dialogue and narration was, and I was really satisfied with the ending. Hopefully there is a sequel in the future: I really want to find out what happens and how the *spoiler* eco-spa turns out! 

   Overall, brava to Ms. Greenwald for writing a creative, refreshing, fun, and light novel (with an adorable, awesome, fantabulous cover--don't you just adore it? The colors, the cucumbers with the recycling signs....)! Be sure to check out the Monday Muse author feature next week, which features Lisa: we'll be giving away a copy of My Life in Pink and Green, which you don't want to miss!