Shattering Glass by Gail Giles

Giles, Gail. Shattering Glass. Brookfield: Roaring Brook Press, 2002. ISBN-10: 076132601-4 

Summary 
Simon Glass is a nerd, an easy target and to Rob Haynes, a test. If Rob can make Simon popular, then Rob can do anything. Short quotes from the characters five years after the action of the story foreshadow a conclusion that leaves at least one of the boys in jail. Rob convinces his friends to help him improve Simon and they all sign on. While Simon accepts the help picking clothes and socializing, he never gives up his suspicion. Instead, Simon collects information about the other boys, making it impossible for them to manipulate him. Of course, Rob is furious that his plan isn't working and the other boys are upset that Simon is able to stand up to Rob when they can't.

Evaluation 
The story of geek turned homecoming king is not a new one, but the violence with which the story goes wrong is new. Giles plays with this tired story, and background, motivation and a stronger geek. The foreshadowing makes the story worth reading because it promises the reading a new ending. There are unanswered questions at the end, and some loose ends with the plot but overall its a good read.

Reader's Annotation 
No one really knew why they always did what Rob said, except that Rob was obviously the leader. When Rob decided that Simon Glass, class geek, would be voted most popular, no one argued except Simon himself. And no one argues with Rob.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness 
Fighting peer pressure. Accepting responsibility. Bullying.

Genre and Subject 
Peer pressure, violence, realistic fiction.

Why I read it
It's a common plot line, but others were excited about it, making me wonder what makes this story different.