Revenge is Sweet

In the Sweet Revenge of Celia Door by Karen Finneyfrock, Celia is just entering ninth grade.  Popular girl, Sandy Firestone, did something to Celia in eighth grade that made Celia decide to turn “dark”.  She wears boots, black eyeliner and a black hoodie and has taped a sign “Celia the Dark” on her locker. Celia wants revenge. She lists possible plots in her poetry notebook along with the poems she writes to express her feelings. There is no one else to talk to. She has no friends and her parents have separated. Then the cool new guy, Drake, talks to her.  They become friends and Drake confides his secret to her.

Sandy is interested in Drake too and asks him to the prom.  Drake turns her down. Can Celia use this to get back at Sandy? What’s more important? Revenge or Friendship?

This book was funny but also very painful, and ultimately very satisfying. I recommend for kids in grades eight on up.