1. Scavenger Hunt: As a double length book, this one gets number one for the three plots it juggles as the class goes on a scavenger hunt using clues of enviromental and auatic nature befitting their Cape Cod location. However, two groups get diverted. Isabel and Maeve’s group accidentally stumble upon a movie set with Maeve’s old friend Orlando Plume and they all get cast as extras. Between seeing the class know-it-alls duke it out as historic consultants and the Lindsey Lohan substiute having diva-worthy freakouts, their movie magic mishaps are the best part of the book. Avery’s group ends up bumming it on the beach, soaking up the rays and having fun rather than work much to Chelsea’s (my fav supporting character!) charign. Charlotte and Katani are the only ones taking the hunt seriously but Katani is having problems with her older sister chaperoning and her ultra-competitive nature serving a good lesson on sportsmanship. Plus it has the added bonus of giving some extra depth to the Empress of Mean, Kiki Underwood. Just a summer read that instantly gives me nostalgia vibes.

2. Just Kidding: Isabel is known through the school as an art whiz and a surprising admirer is the most popular basketball player at school. One half of the school’s power couple until he breaks up with his girlfriend. The rumor mill immediately spins into action painting Isabel as the relationship-wrecker. And that’s not all. The sexist actions of the male basketball players against Avery and the girls only add to the damper of Spirit Week. It’s a good book discussing bullying, the rumor mill and setting up boundaries and confronting those who cover up their mean jokes with a “just kidding.”

3. Out of Bounds: It’s the annual talent show and the Beacon Street girls are eager to team up and make an amazing act that will also help the Mr. Kaplan-Taylor’s failing movie theater. A magical one really with their adorable team pet, Marty. But some of the girls are doing double duty like Katani working backstage, Maeve with her solo and Isabel with Anna, Joline and Kiki! She has been picked up by the queens and empress of mean as an extra backup dancer. A choice she surprisingly accepts to impress her father whose visiting after a long time apart. Unfortunately, Kiki is using her bossy powers to relegate Isabel to costume and set design, the true motive she had for inviting Isabel. Don’t worry, Kiki and her frenemies get their comuppence in a scene of poetic justice and that’s why it gets number three on the list.

4. Freaked Out: The party of the eyar is happening but not everyone is on the guest list. A relatable scenario that Bryant does well in depicitng Avery’s exclusion from the guest list as not something she did but sometimes you’re excluded because a girl is a jerk. It happens. But that party of the year earned its title in an unexpected way when several party-crashers get drunk. This was a pretty good book discussing the dangers of drinking and inappropriate behavior under the influence without being too preachy. It also furthers the romantic entanglements of Maeve and Charlotte which is fun to read.

5. Promises, Promises: The Beacon Street Girls are best friends to the end but what happens when Avery and Katani campaign against each other for clas president. They both have meaningful campaigns and good ideas, but their vows to not let the racce get between quickly turn sour when speeches are accidentally copied, insults are flying and a mysterious poster shredder on the loose. I enjoy how Bryant makes the race suspenseful, not letting one or the other get the lead as they all have good platform ideas. And who does win the race is actually quite surprising.