Who What Wear
Sorcebooks/Raincoast Books
Age 8-12
By Olivia Bennett
240 pages
Synopsis from Raincoast Books:
In Book 2 of this fresh, fashion-forward series, Emma and Allegra’s worlds collide! Emma must go undercover as her own intern long enough for her alter ego, Allegra, to design a knock-out Sweet Sixteen dress for one of the popular girls at school. She must also design and construct several new pieces to add to her growing collection for the opportunity of her young career – a special pop-up shop sponsored by Madison magazine. Can Emma pull it all off and keep her identity a secret?
I don’t think my 9-year old is alone with her dream of being a fashion designer. She’s always drawing sketches and creating outfits from towels, sheets and other clothes. Reading Who What Wear gave my daughter a sense of imagining her fantasy coming true, being a kids and creating popular fashion.
Who What Wear also touches on many feelings and situations that middle school kids go through: the ups and downs of a best friend relationship, wanting to fit in, being original and true to yourself, and even boys. The ‘boy’ aspect of the book is there as it is a part of a young girls life but it is so subtle, making it a great book for middle graders not yet in that frame of mind.
Both my daughter and I loved the little fashion sketches that peppered the pages of the book, making it feel like we were seeing Emma’s creative inspiration as we read her story. The reference to blogging (both the fashion editor and Emma’s designer persona kept fashion followers on top of things) was a great touch, speaking to the current trend beyond the fashion magazine pages.
This is the second book in the Allegra Biscotti series. We never read the first book, The Allegra Biscotti Collection, but that didn’t detract from enjoying the story. My daughter is only hoping there’s a third book planned in the series.
You can add Who What Wear to your personal library by visiting your local book store or visiting Raincoast Books. Visit our Kid’s Books section for other great book recommendations. What are you reading with your kids?
I have to thank Crystal at Raincoast Books for my review copy.