Lily’s Ultimate Party

"I bet it takes a lot to make a party perfect," Lily said. "I certainly wouldn't know." There was more twitching. "But I do know you're going to find out everything there is to know and then some."

Book: Lily’s Ultimate Party by Nancy Rue, Zondervan, 2001

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 12-14

Subjects: Growing up, identity, friendship

Summary: The ultimate party and the first ever boy-girl party! That's what Lily is planning! And it's gonna be awesome, absolutely, incredibly, awesome! At least... it would be if Art's new dog would stop destroying things, her visiting grandma would stop forcing Lily to waste all her time learning how to be a perfect young lady, and her friends would actually have time to help her... oh and if Zooey would stop freaking out and saying she doesn't want to come! The date of the party gets closer and closer and closer but things just seem to keep falling apart!

Notes: Lily is planning a party for the sole purpose of impressing the other kids. She is so determined to follow the plan of a party she saw in a 1970's magazine that she doesn't care if it leaves someone out. Zooey is worried about how fat she looks in a swimsuit and knows the kids will tease her like the do at swim lessons. Yet Lily continues trying to plan a pool party that will cause her to feel left out. When Mudda has a heart attack and realizes she needs to slow down and stop working so hard to be perfect and impress others, Lily realizes she needs to do the same. Having a party is great, but doing it for the purpose of impressing others? Not so great.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 145:4-7 – One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.