Robin Wilson wants to join Pi Beta Alpha, Sweet Valley High’s highly selective sorority. She may not be beautiful or popular, but she’s friendly and smart. So when Elizabeth nominates her for the sorority, Jessica is less than thrilled. She is determined to find a way to keep Robin from Pi Beta.
But Elizabeth is just as determined to make Robin a sorority sister, and the twins become locked in a struggle that develops into the biggest power play at Sweet Valley High. Who will prevail? Which twin will triumph? What happens when sisters go head-to-head?
Power Play Q&A
WARNING: SPOILERS
If you haven’t read my review of Power Play, do so! This book was the most controversial one that I have read so far.
1. Francine Pascal’s writing of “fat” Robin was a bit harsh. What kind of backlash might the same story published today receive, if any?
I believe a similar story published in today’s world would be highly controversial. I believe that quite a bit of backlash would be received. There are multiple scenes where Robin is repeatedly bullied for being overweight.
2. “‘My mom is soooooo excited! She always told me that being best friends with the Wakefield twins could be great for me,’ [Robin] gushed.” Why would you think Robin’s mom would be encouraging of a friendship with the twins?
This portion in the book really perplexed me. Who on earth would want her child to be friends with someone like Jessica? I guess that’s where fiction and reality clash. In the REAL world, I know beyond a doubt that my mom would’ve seen through Jessica Wakefield’s garbage and would never have wanted me to be friends with her. But since Robin was written as a gullible and trusting person, maybe the apple shouldn’t fall from the tree so to speak.
3. What would your 12 year old self have rated this book?
One star.
4. Would you want your 13 year old to read this?
For conversation purposes, maybe. If my child read this, I would definitely use this book as an opportunity to talk about bullying and the consequences of it.
5. How do you think adolescents today would feel about this book?
Kids today would be infuriated to read a book like this.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t read Power Play again. It was over-the-top in the bullying department, and I wouldn’t recommend it to an adolescent or teen.
Go here to read Kristin’s answers!
GIVEAWAY WINNER!
Last week, I held a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card in celebration of the Sweet Valley Series. My plan is to do three more giveaways this year, so keep watching for more!
Many Congratulations to Brent S., the winner of the giveaway!! You will be receiving an email from me soon with your redemption link!
We’d love to have you join us as we read the Sweet Valley High series! Next week’s review will cover Book 5 — All Night Long.
Elizabeth Wakefield knows her beautiful twin is more than a match for almost any guy out there. Most guys easily fall prey to Jessica’s seductive charms. But Scott Daniels, Jessica’s latest love, may be more than she bargained for. He’s much older and much more experienced than anyone Jessica’s ever dated.
When Jessica sneaks off to a college beach party with Scott, Elizabeth’s afraid of what might happen. And when her twin sister isn’t back by morning, Elizabeth fears the worst. Where is Jessica? Why has she stayed out all night long?
