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Landry's True Colors #1
True Colors
Every day I walked down the sidewalk to school and wished I were one of the interesting popular girls who ran up with exciting news. Just once I'd like to be one of those girls instead of the being the one who didn't get invited to things because people "forgot" about me.
Landry gets pushed into trying out for the American IngEnue reality show modeling competition with her two best friends. She doesn't think she stands a chance, but she advances to the next level in the competition and her friends ignore her when they get cut.
Enter the gorgeous Devon, who also makes the first cut and includes Landry in her clique. Devon becomes the perfect best friend, but can their friendship survive the competition?
Landry hopes her big break could come at any moment, but soon sees there's much more to modeling. She begins missing out on being with friends and has the chance to have a boyfriend when she meets a boy named Vladi from another school.
Part of Landry wants to be famous (and have her hair look good for once), but part of her just wants to be accepted. She learns about friendships, being true to yourself, and that a good hair conditioner doesn't hurt.
Landry gets pushed into trying out for the American IngEnue reality show modeling competition with her two best friends. She doesn't think she stands a chance, but she advances to the next level in the competition and her friends ignore her when they get cut.
Enter the gorgeous Devon, who also makes the first cut and includes Landry in her clique. Devon becomes the perfect best friend, but can their friendship survive the competition?
Landry hopes her big break could come at any moment, but soon sees there's much more to modeling. She begins missing out on being with friends and has the chance to have a boyfriend when she meets a boy named Vladi from another school.
Part of Landry wants to be famous (and have her hair look good for once), but part of her just wants to be accepted. She learns about friendships, being true to yourself, and that a good hair conditioner doesn't hurt.
250 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2014
About the author
Krysten Lindsay Hager
15 books532 followersI write coming of age novels with hope, humor and happily ever afters, as well as dealing with self-doubt and finding where you belong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 17, 2014
As I started reading this, I had to wonder--how old is the author anyway? Is she spying on my life? How can she possibly be spot on with all of this?! I thought Landry's voice was very realistic and true to a typical 8th grader. I have a 14 year old girl who just wrapped up her 8th grade year not long ago. I don't know how that happened, since I was just a 14 year old not too long ago (so it seems). All the details about everything from what she was thinking to what she was doing was so 14.
This story brought back so many feelings and experiences for me, such as the fickle friends, the insecurities, the fear of not being accepted, the impossible crushes, the day-to-day and on-again-off-again friendships and relationships. I remember all too well having friends who were mad at me for some silly reason and I couldn't understand why. A few days later, things were back to normal again...with no explanation. Thirteen and fourteen is such a tricky age and I felt that Ms. Hager captured the feelings and experiences very well. I think so many girls this age deal with these feelings and problems and it makes it hard to be happy for your friends. Jealousy causes a lot of these issues.
I enjoyed watching Landry learn and grown through this difficult year. I loved the way she handled her friends--she was a pretty mature girl in some ways. Although she wanted to sing and shout about her successes, she was sensitive to her friends disappointments and tried hard to please them all. There were times when I wanted her to stand up to them, especially Ericka and Devon. She often let them dictate her decisions. Actually, that reminds me a lot of how I was, so maybe that's why I enjoyed the growth so much.
This is a fun, coming-of-age story for the young and young at heart!
Content: nothing really of note. Clean!
This story brought back so many feelings and experiences for me, such as the fickle friends, the insecurities, the fear of not being accepted, the impossible crushes, the day-to-day and on-again-off-again friendships and relationships. I remember all too well having friends who were mad at me for some silly reason and I couldn't understand why. A few days later, things were back to normal again...with no explanation. Thirteen and fourteen is such a tricky age and I felt that Ms. Hager captured the feelings and experiences very well. I think so many girls this age deal with these feelings and problems and it makes it hard to be happy for your friends. Jealousy causes a lot of these issues.
I enjoyed watching Landry learn and grown through this difficult year. I loved the way she handled her friends--she was a pretty mature girl in some ways. Although she wanted to sing and shout about her successes, she was sensitive to her friends disappointments and tried hard to please them all. There were times when I wanted her to stand up to them, especially Ericka and Devon. She often let them dictate her decisions. Actually, that reminds me a lot of how I was, so maybe that's why I enjoyed the growth so much.
This is a fun, coming-of-age story for the young and young at heart!
Content: nothing really of note. Clean!
August 18, 2014
Landry would like to have an interesting life. She wants to be able to talk about the amazing things that have happened to her, but her life is just normal. She has two best friends, she's doing pretty well at school and she has nice parents. When Landry enters a modeling competition things change. Her friends Erika and Tori both want to try out, so she joins them. She's very surprised when the judges select her to go to the next round. Unfortunately her friends are less excited about this than she is. All of a sudden Landry has two great stories, but she has no friends left and there isn't anybody around to listen to them.
Landry doesn't like being alone and tries to make new friends. New friends bring new demands though. Landry tries to keep everybody happy, but she also has to think about herself every now and then. That isn't always easy to accomplish. She has to learn to see people for who they truly are. And then there's a boy she really likes. Is he interested in her as well? Will Landry eventually get the chance to be herself and to be liked because of it?
I loved True Colors. Landry is a thirteen-year-old girl and Krysten Lindsay has described her feelings and the things she worries and cares about in a brilliant way. Her story is is sweet and special and it's wonderful to read about Landry's everyday life. Landry is an insecure girl, but she learns how to stand up for herself a bit better one step at the time. Landry isn't perfect, but she has a big heart, she's such a kind and good person. Her friends aren't always like that, not everyone is as nice as Landry. That makes life harder for her, but she also needs to become a little tougher, it's part of growing up. I enjoyed watching the start of that process.
I love Krysten Lyndsay Hager's writing style. She knows how to write about feelings in an understanding way. Her vivid descriptions of Landry's life are amazing. The story is never over the top, she keeps it realistic and therefore it's completely believable. I liked that aspect very much. I loved reading about Landry, it was like I was thirteen years old again and I enjoyed taking the trip down memory lane. True Colors is a book that would suit young girls and their mothers and grandmothers. I highly recommend this fantastic series.
Landry doesn't like being alone and tries to make new friends. New friends bring new demands though. Landry tries to keep everybody happy, but she also has to think about herself every now and then. That isn't always easy to accomplish. She has to learn to see people for who they truly are. And then there's a boy she really likes. Is he interested in her as well? Will Landry eventually get the chance to be herself and to be liked because of it?
I loved True Colors. Landry is a thirteen-year-old girl and Krysten Lindsay has described her feelings and the things she worries and cares about in a brilliant way. Her story is is sweet and special and it's wonderful to read about Landry's everyday life. Landry is an insecure girl, but she learns how to stand up for herself a bit better one step at the time. Landry isn't perfect, but she has a big heart, she's such a kind and good person. Her friends aren't always like that, not everyone is as nice as Landry. That makes life harder for her, but she also needs to become a little tougher, it's part of growing up. I enjoyed watching the start of that process.
I love Krysten Lyndsay Hager's writing style. She knows how to write about feelings in an understanding way. Her vivid descriptions of Landry's life are amazing. The story is never over the top, she keeps it realistic and therefore it's completely believable. I liked that aspect very much. I loved reading about Landry, it was like I was thirteen years old again and I enjoyed taking the trip down memory lane. True Colors is a book that would suit young girls and their mothers and grandmothers. I highly recommend this fantastic series.
September 15, 2015
All Landry Allbright wants is to be one of those high school girls who can share good news with her best friends and have something amazing to actually share for once , instead of being the girl who lives a boring life. When a modelling agency heads to town, Landry's friend Tori and Ericka decide that the three of them should give it a go. Landry has always felt awkward as she is taller than everyone , but with her blonde hair and blue eyes and height it seems as they walk the runway at the competition - that she is what they are looking for. Landry moves to the next round and is so excited, but what happens when she discovers that her friends aren't excited for her - in fact they seem to be angry at her for going to the next round , when they should be supporting her since they were the ones who suggested she tries out. As the story goes along, we discover that Landry is also good at English and is given the chance to enter a writing competition . Landry is about to discover that sometimes the people we thought were our friends really aren't as Tori and Ericka start spreading rumours about Landry and making her life a living nightmare.
Read on as Landry's friends True Colors are revealed during their escapade of jealousy.
True Colors is aimed at female readers aged 14-16+ and almost has a christian influence and feel to the story and reminded me quite strongly of Melody Carlson's teen series.
Read on as Landry's friends True Colors are revealed during their escapade of jealousy.
True Colors is aimed at female readers aged 14-16+ and almost has a christian influence and feel to the story and reminded me quite strongly of Melody Carlson's teen series.
May 10, 2016
Thank you Netgalley for sending me a free copy of this book
True Colors was...entertaining at times. And that was pretty much all it was.
I would like to start off by saying that this book has been categorized as Young Adult on Goodreads and that is completely just off. This book should be listed as a Middle Grade book at the very most, and should actually be targeted to even younger audiences (I'm talking ages 9-11).
This book did have some entertaining moments, especially when I recognized some of my own stubbornness and feelings toward bullies when I was around 11 or 12 but it in no way makes up for its negative aspects that made me want to rip out my hair by my roots.
First off, the writing style always managed to give me a headache within two minutes of reading. There were so many characters and so little personality added to them and the book never really ended up solving the issues with certain girls (Tori, Ericka, etc.)
Landry's inner monologues sounded like a ten year old girl decided to write down all of her immature thought without using any full stops. I have to say that I have definitely read more mature books that were contemporary and dealt with fashion and modeling and were targeted for an even younger audience. (Anyone who is around the ages of 11-14 should check out the Totally Lucy series by Kelly McCain - it is WAY more entertaining, mature and exciting than this book).
Yes, the story did have a slight moral story at the end, but I never saw any growth and plot in this story. Landry sounded incredibly annoying and rude even at the end. I know that there are more books that probably complete this series, but I felt like absolutely nothing progressed in this book. I'm not even sure if it was supposed to mainly be about modeling, school, friendships or just the daily life of a teenager. It didn't interest me, it didn't excite me and it definitely does not make me want to continue reading the series.
True Colors was...entertaining at times. And that was pretty much all it was.
I would like to start off by saying that this book has been categorized as Young Adult on Goodreads and that is completely just off. This book should be listed as a Middle Grade book at the very most, and should actually be targeted to even younger audiences (I'm talking ages 9-11).
This book did have some entertaining moments, especially when I recognized some of my own stubbornness and feelings toward bullies when I was around 11 or 12 but it in no way makes up for its negative aspects that made me want to rip out my hair by my roots.
First off, the writing style always managed to give me a headache within two minutes of reading. There were so many characters and so little personality added to them and the book never really ended up solving the issues with certain girls (Tori, Ericka, etc.)
Landry's inner monologues sounded like a ten year old girl decided to write down all of her immature thought without using any full stops. I have to say that I have definitely read more mature books that were contemporary and dealt with fashion and modeling and were targeted for an even younger audience. (Anyone who is around the ages of 11-14 should check out the Totally Lucy series by Kelly McCain - it is WAY more entertaining, mature and exciting than this book).
Yes, the story did have a slight moral story at the end, but I never saw any growth and plot in this story. Landry sounded incredibly annoying and rude even at the end. I know that there are more books that probably complete this series, but I felt like absolutely nothing progressed in this book. I'm not even sure if it was supposed to mainly be about modeling, school, friendships or just the daily life of a teenager. It didn't interest me, it didn't excite me and it definitely does not make me want to continue reading the series.
July 10, 2014
I have been an educator for over thirty six years and really get excited when a novel like True Colors came along. I wish this book was available many moons ago when I was teaching so many preteen girls who let their emotions and hormones interfere with their schoolwork.
Let me say that there just were not books out there that dealt with teen issues.
Author Krysten Lindsay Hager did a fabulous job of depicting the woes of young teen girls. She must have gone undercover at a school to get such accurate information.
At current I am a children's reading specialist providing reading support services to struggling readers at a private school on Grand Cayman.I selected True Colors for two of my young ladies, an eighth grader and a sixth grader. Knowing both of these students from the previous year and some of the issues they had with self confidence I couldn't wait to share True Colors with them. The sixth grade student was new last year and had a hard time fitting in and the student in eighth grade endured various incidents of bullying. During reading we often pause and comment about some girls that she has had similar encounters with just as the main character did. We have discussions about these situations which brings rich value to the text. The story has a nice flow to it allowing for an educator to work those comprehension questions into lessons.
I can honestly say that True Colors should be a staple for every junior high and high school library and also available in the classroom libraries. Three cheers for author Krysten Lindsay Hager for writing a novel that will help so many young girls.
I also wanted to add I had mentioned the True Colors song by Cyndi Lauper to them, and now we sing a few words on our way up to the reading room.
Let me say that there just were not books out there that dealt with teen issues.
Author Krysten Lindsay Hager did a fabulous job of depicting the woes of young teen girls. She must have gone undercover at a school to get such accurate information.
At current I am a children's reading specialist providing reading support services to struggling readers at a private school on Grand Cayman.I selected True Colors for two of my young ladies, an eighth grader and a sixth grader. Knowing both of these students from the previous year and some of the issues they had with self confidence I couldn't wait to share True Colors with them. The sixth grade student was new last year and had a hard time fitting in and the student in eighth grade endured various incidents of bullying. During reading we often pause and comment about some girls that she has had similar encounters with just as the main character did. We have discussions about these situations which brings rich value to the text. The story has a nice flow to it allowing for an educator to work those comprehension questions into lessons.
I can honestly say that True Colors should be a staple for every junior high and high school library and also available in the classroom libraries. Three cheers for author Krysten Lindsay Hager for writing a novel that will help so many young girls.
I also wanted to add I had mentioned the True Colors song by Cyndi Lauper to them, and now we sing a few words on our way up to the reading room.
August 7, 2014
Landry's friends, Ericka and Tori, convince her to enter a modeling competition with them. They get jealous and turn their backs on her when she continues on and they don't. Landry then tries to find somewhere else to fit in. The modeling competition does, indeed, bring out everyone's true colors, and some of them aren't very pretty.
This is a great book for middle grade girls! Landry goes through some growing pains with the girls she thought were her friends. What I liked is that she did seem to get along with lots of other girls so her "friends" abandoning her didn't turn her into a total pariah. I also liked that she didn't rush to fit in with another group right away but really wanted to figure out which group was a good fit for her.
I thought the book would focus more on the actual competition but that quickly took a back burner to the drama of Landry's every day life. Landry felt like she was just a plain, average girl and sometimes heard mean comments others made that seemed to validate that. I liked reading about her relationships with all the girls she came in contact with, whether negative or positive, and especially liked Peyton. I liked the ending and hope there's a sequel because it would be fun to read what's next for Landry! (Note: The author told me she is, indeed, working on a sequel--yay!)
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
This is a great book for middle grade girls! Landry goes through some growing pains with the girls she thought were her friends. What I liked is that she did seem to get along with lots of other girls so her "friends" abandoning her didn't turn her into a total pariah. I also liked that she didn't rush to fit in with another group right away but really wanted to figure out which group was a good fit for her.
I thought the book would focus more on the actual competition but that quickly took a back burner to the drama of Landry's every day life. Landry felt like she was just a plain, average girl and sometimes heard mean comments others made that seemed to validate that. I liked reading about her relationships with all the girls she came in contact with, whether negative or positive, and especially liked Peyton. I liked the ending and hope there's a sequel because it would be fun to read what's next for Landry! (Note: The author told me she is, indeed, working on a sequel--yay!)
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
April 26, 2016
Landry is just your typical teenage girl who faces the typical teenage drama. She has two amazing friends who she adores. Suddenly, her world is turned upside down when she enters and wins a popular modeling contest. Her best friends stop speaking to her and she's left alone and confused.
This was an amazing read. I thought it was very emotional and uplifting. The main character can come across as whiny and annoying sometimes, but she's a teenager. That's how she's supposed to come across. I was amazed at how well the author portrayed the story and the characters. I loved it and can't wait to read the rest of this series and move books by this author! I fully recommend. Especially for teenagers!
This was an amazing read. I thought it was very emotional and uplifting. The main character can come across as whiny and annoying sometimes, but she's a teenager. That's how she's supposed to come across. I was amazed at how well the author portrayed the story and the characters. I loved it and can't wait to read the rest of this series and move books by this author! I fully recommend. Especially for teenagers!
June 19, 2014
This was a light read that I think a lot of middle school readers can identify with--the struggle to fit in, the cliques, the boy-crazy friends, the lack of confidence by several of the characters in the book. There was a good message here, that one shouldn't limit themselves to just one or two friends, but look for something redeeming in all different groups of friends.
I felt like the ending was a little rushed, and I would have liked more resolution with Landry's family situation; however, I can see where the book could've become quite heavy and depressing quickly. Perhaps Ms. Hager is paving way for a sequel?
Nicely done, looking forward to reading more!
I felt like the ending was a little rushed, and I would have liked more resolution with Landry's family situation; however, I can see where the book could've become quite heavy and depressing quickly. Perhaps Ms. Hager is paving way for a sequel?
Nicely done, looking forward to reading more!
July 12, 2014
A nice book that gets into the mind of a young girl, Landry. Krysten Hager does a good job of taking me back to the school days! But, boy am I glad to just be reading about teenage drama instead of actually experiencing this in school, lol. The book goes into friendships and being true to oneself, fitting in, and balancing life, written in a clean yet accurate way. I liked Peyton a lot, a very good, supportive friend. I wish Landry would stand up more for herself. I look forward to reading more - the ending left me ready for more!
July 12, 2014
A look into the drama associated of teenaged girls through the eyes of Landry. I loved it.
August 8, 2014
An excellent book for teens and adults alike. The characters are well crafted and the author does a great job portraying life as a teen. Thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it.
September 9, 2017
This was a true to life, page-turning read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes modern teen reads. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen with Landry and her friends. Hager understands the world of teen girls and the dialogue and situations the girls find themselves in is spot on. The world she created is very realistic. I thought I was right beside Landry the whole time in her home, school and neighborhood. Glad there are more books to read about Landry. Looking forward to reading books 2 and 3.
June 1, 2015
Ericka, one of Landry’s two best friends insists on Landry and Tori going to the mall with her to enter the modeling tryouts to be on the American Ingénue show. Landry only very reluctantly agrees to enter when Ericka insists they both enter with her. Landry was surprised at the result of the tryouts, but more than shocked by her friends’ reaction.
I liked Landry’s down-to-earth nature. The story was written from her point of view, sharing her thoughts and feelings. I could really relate to her because I was always invisible, didn’t have many friends and didn’t feel like one of the pretty girls or have a great self-esteem either. I give her a lot of credit for getting up there and participating in the first modeling tryout in the first place. I know I wouldn’t have done it – no matter how much prodding from my friend!
The one person in the novel I didn’t like was Devon. She was a master manipulator. I found her to be very self-centred and demanding, always wanting to be the centre of attention. She was always talking down about people when they weren’t around and getting mad at her friends when they didn’t go along with what she wanted. She held grudges and refused to speak to them when she was mad at them.
I think the modeling tryout for American Ingénue and the following aftermath, while not pleasant for Landry were good for her in that they really helped her to grow up and understand what real friendship is, and how to be genuine with those around her. Some of the twists and turns in True Colors really showed how artificial or even two-faced people could be. Her experiences helped her to grow as a person, learn more about herself, be strong and believe in herself and reach out and make new true friends.
Mixed in with all of this was Landry’s confusion over her parent’s relationship. She lived with her mother in Grand Rapids and her dad lived in Chicago, but they weren’t officially separated or divorced. Developing a friendship with someone she could talk to about someone she could share her troubles with helped her figure out some strategies could help her deal with her home situation.
The teen years are notoriously difficult for young women. Peer pressure issues, self-esteem, hormones and everything else that goes on including the granting of greater freedoms, curfews, boundaries and so on can make this time especially difficult for those without strong friends or mentors with whom to talk things out.
I thought the author did an excellent job of writing a book that really speaks to the issues of teen girls today. While the girls are a little boy crazy sometimes, the book was clean and fun and I think it really hit the mark. If you have a teenage girl, this may be a book you want to pick up for her. I gave this book 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
To see my complete review, visit Shelf Full of Books: http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
I liked Landry’s down-to-earth nature. The story was written from her point of view, sharing her thoughts and feelings. I could really relate to her because I was always invisible, didn’t have many friends and didn’t feel like one of the pretty girls or have a great self-esteem either. I give her a lot of credit for getting up there and participating in the first modeling tryout in the first place. I know I wouldn’t have done it – no matter how much prodding from my friend!
The one person in the novel I didn’t like was Devon. She was a master manipulator. I found her to be very self-centred and demanding, always wanting to be the centre of attention. She was always talking down about people when they weren’t around and getting mad at her friends when they didn’t go along with what she wanted. She held grudges and refused to speak to them when she was mad at them.
I think the modeling tryout for American Ingénue and the following aftermath, while not pleasant for Landry were good for her in that they really helped her to grow up and understand what real friendship is, and how to be genuine with those around her. Some of the twists and turns in True Colors really showed how artificial or even two-faced people could be. Her experiences helped her to grow as a person, learn more about herself, be strong and believe in herself and reach out and make new true friends.
Mixed in with all of this was Landry’s confusion over her parent’s relationship. She lived with her mother in Grand Rapids and her dad lived in Chicago, but they weren’t officially separated or divorced. Developing a friendship with someone she could talk to about someone she could share her troubles with helped her figure out some strategies could help her deal with her home situation.
The teen years are notoriously difficult for young women. Peer pressure issues, self-esteem, hormones and everything else that goes on including the granting of greater freedoms, curfews, boundaries and so on can make this time especially difficult for those without strong friends or mentors with whom to talk things out.
I thought the author did an excellent job of writing a book that really speaks to the issues of teen girls today. While the girls are a little boy crazy sometimes, the book was clean and fun and I think it really hit the mark. If you have a teenage girl, this may be a book you want to pick up for her. I gave this book 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
To see my complete review, visit Shelf Full of Books: http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
October 13, 2014
The Story:
Landry is just your typical teen, ready to grow up and be heard. She'd give anything to be popular, have great hair and have a few adventures worth talking about. But, that's just not Landry. She is the one people don't see, the boring one who people forget to invite to their party. That may be all about to change.
Landry and her two best mates decide to enter into a modelling contest. Though she is determined that she doesn't stand a chance at winning or even getting noticed, she relishes the idea of the possibility of her and her girls getting the spotlight and having a few stories to tell at school.
Life has more in store for Landry though! She gets chosen to move on to the next stage of the contest, leaving her friends behind, as they don't succeed. Soon she finds herself in a whirlwind of adventure. She's popular, getting noticed (even by some really cute boys), she looks great and finally has something to talk about! However, her friends don't want to talk, at all, since she did better than them. Landry is forced to move forward, finding new friends and soon starts to wonder if the popular life is more than she bargained for.
My Thoughts:
This book is great for teens and tweens. I found that it really touched on all the problems we go through at that age. We always get so caught up in our lives, the drama, the action and what to wear that we feel as though the world is spinning out of control. We worry about friends, boyfriends, clothes, rumours and what's happening that weekend; not stopping for a moment to worry about the future, only living for the moment.
I love that Landry is a typical teenage girl, and the drama that unfolds in her life is written in such a way that Tweens and Teens will relate to it, feeling as though it is their life on the pages, and adults will find themselves giggling because they remember the day when they had these 'problems' and what it was like to live for the moment.
The writing style of this book is excellent. It is written in a way that it reaches out to the correct age group, while still being accessible to older readers. It also takes into account the world around is and what is popular or not, which will make it appeal to teens even more.
The pace of the book is good. I found it moved well enough to stay very entertaining, but sometimes thought it stuck on a point for a tiny bit too long. However, on looking back at this, after finishing the book, I think it is probably perfect, as teens do tend to stick with their problem until it has been run into the ground and defeated!
OVERALL: A fab book, especially for the younger readers. It also is a fun read for adults to look back and remember their youth. I would say that this is the perfect book to get a child, especially a teen girl, for Christmas or upcoming birthdays. I am very excited to see what else comes from author Krysten Hager!
December 30, 2014
True Colors has much to offer as it takes us with Landry as she discovers true friends, school and social challenges as well as discovering hard work is the only way to success. I started reading the book thinking it to be a story of Landry, a teen who was being bullied and how she fought back. To say the least, I found the story of the fourteen year old Landry quite relevant to the teens of today. The book deals with peer pressure, expectations and subtle bullying. How teens try to undermine friends just to look better – literally!!
I found the book interesting to read, it was like a peep into the mind of a teenager! The malls, movies and trips they planned and discussed. The boys, the crushes and the emails exchanges were all so honest that I felt I was actually reading a journal or diary of a girl. The outings became a bit much during the latter half of the novel but considering she wanted to please all her friends I understand the many outings. The talk of makeup, jewelry and boys were hot topics for the girls but then teenage life is such.
The book shares some wise thoughts too about how true friends never try to belittle us or shame us. It also teaches a lesson about how it is just not easy for a teen to see these truths easily and life teaches many things.
Her mother driving and supporting her for her modeling and the support and guidance Landry got from her parents was a big positive for her as a teenager trying to adjust to trials of teenage.
Overall I found the book very relevant for teenagers to learn about how life is not about pleasing and always trying to fit in but trying to be true to oneself.
True Colors reflects the teenage mind perfectly and is an ideal summer read for 12 to 16 year olds.
(I received a copy of the book from the author, the views are my own)
I found the book interesting to read, it was like a peep into the mind of a teenager! The malls, movies and trips they planned and discussed. The boys, the crushes and the emails exchanges were all so honest that I felt I was actually reading a journal or diary of a girl. The outings became a bit much during the latter half of the novel but considering she wanted to please all her friends I understand the many outings. The talk of makeup, jewelry and boys were hot topics for the girls but then teenage life is such.
The book shares some wise thoughts too about how true friends never try to belittle us or shame us. It also teaches a lesson about how it is just not easy for a teen to see these truths easily and life teaches many things.
Her mother driving and supporting her for her modeling and the support and guidance Landry got from her parents was a big positive for her as a teenager trying to adjust to trials of teenage.
Overall I found the book very relevant for teenagers to learn about how life is not about pleasing and always trying to fit in but trying to be true to oneself.
True Colors reflects the teenage mind perfectly and is an ideal summer read for 12 to 16 year olds.
(I received a copy of the book from the author, the views are my own)
March 1, 2016
I RECIEVED THIS BOOK FROM YA BOUND BOOK TOURS FOR A BOOK TOUR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY VIEWS OR OPINIONS IN ANY WAY.
True Colors is a cute novel that would be perfect for tweens and early young adults.
Landry Albright is a typical middle school student. She is happy with her group of friends, but that all changes when a big fashion competition comes to town. It is a preliminary round, but still tears her group of friends apart. As Landry advances in the competition, she makes new friends and has friend drama.
The author really knows what a teenager thinks about and how a teenagers life works. I can relate to Landry totally, especially with the friend part. In middle school, it is rare to have just one group of friends. You usually make friends with people from a few different cliques, and then there is friend trouble. That same thing happens in this book. I also liked how Landry didn't like her body. It made her realistic knowing that she felt unsure of her body.
Landry was a nice and bright middle school student. I think she would be a great role model for kids who want to be models. Her friends are all different, and there is a good variety and some of the friends stray from the typical stereotypical characters. I also really liked how Landry did not have a perfect house and a perfect home life. It was nice how much Krysten Lindsay Hager described Landry's home and home life.
The romance between Landry and Vladi is very cute. It is innocent and doesn't take over their lives. It is a good side plot, and I like how the author left it as that.
This book moved at a perfect place, and was never dull. It is a shorter novel, but not too short.
Overall, this is a very realistic novel about middle school that is very fun to read.
True Colors is a cute novel that would be perfect for tweens and early young adults.
Landry Albright is a typical middle school student. She is happy with her group of friends, but that all changes when a big fashion competition comes to town. It is a preliminary round, but still tears her group of friends apart. As Landry advances in the competition, she makes new friends and has friend drama.
The author really knows what a teenager thinks about and how a teenagers life works. I can relate to Landry totally, especially with the friend part. In middle school, it is rare to have just one group of friends. You usually make friends with people from a few different cliques, and then there is friend trouble. That same thing happens in this book. I also liked how Landry didn't like her body. It made her realistic knowing that she felt unsure of her body.
Landry was a nice and bright middle school student. I think she would be a great role model for kids who want to be models. Her friends are all different, and there is a good variety and some of the friends stray from the typical stereotypical characters. I also really liked how Landry did not have a perfect house and a perfect home life. It was nice how much Krysten Lindsay Hager described Landry's home and home life.
The romance between Landry and Vladi is very cute. It is innocent and doesn't take over their lives. It is a good side plot, and I like how the author left it as that.
This book moved at a perfect place, and was never dull. It is a shorter novel, but not too short.
Overall, this is a very realistic novel about middle school that is very fun to read.
August 1, 2014
Welcome back to High School... for me anyway lol ^_^
We meet Landry, a 13yr old girl who's slowly discovering who she is. Her best friends, Ericka & Tori convince her to join a modeling tryout with them. After much deliberation she decides to tag along.
Things start to fall apart when Landry receives a call to continue on and her two friends don't.
I couldn't believe how fast her so called "best friends" turned their backs on her, even though they're the one's who begged her to go with them. Just shows how cruel teenagers can be and how hard things can be at that age. I really felt for her, losing people she cared about dearly, it's like a knife to the back!
Landry's a brave girl and takes each day as it comes, some are better than others. During these torturous days/weeks friendships begin to grow with a few other girls. So if you look at the positive, good things do come from bad.
I had to laugh out loud when Landry and her friend, Thalia had gym class (as we in Australia call it PE or Health), and they had all these excuses to get out of it. Took me back to my high school years and all the letters my mother would write to get me out of it or the excuses I used to use. Just as Landry did I used to loath dodge ball too lol and would deliberately stand in the way to get hit so I could sit out. My excuses didn't always work though haha! ;-)
All in all it's a great read, vibrant characters, a storyline so profound (if like me) will take you back to your own childhood memories, and will bring all those emotions back.
I really loved how it ended and I hope there's more to Landry's story to come. ^_^
We meet Landry, a 13yr old girl who's slowly discovering who she is. Her best friends, Ericka & Tori convince her to join a modeling tryout with them. After much deliberation she decides to tag along.
Things start to fall apart when Landry receives a call to continue on and her two friends don't.
I couldn't believe how fast her so called "best friends" turned their backs on her, even though they're the one's who begged her to go with them. Just shows how cruel teenagers can be and how hard things can be at that age. I really felt for her, losing people she cared about dearly, it's like a knife to the back!
Landry's a brave girl and takes each day as it comes, some are better than others. During these torturous days/weeks friendships begin to grow with a few other girls. So if you look at the positive, good things do come from bad.
I had to laugh out loud when Landry and her friend, Thalia had gym class (as we in Australia call it PE or Health), and they had all these excuses to get out of it. Took me back to my high school years and all the letters my mother would write to get me out of it or the excuses I used to use. Just as Landry did I used to loath dodge ball too lol and would deliberately stand in the way to get hit so I could sit out. My excuses didn't always work though haha! ;-)
All in all it's a great read, vibrant characters, a storyline so profound (if like me) will take you back to your own childhood memories, and will bring all those emotions back.
I really loved how it ended and I hope there's more to Landry's story to come. ^_^
May 28, 2016
I was so excited to get a chance to read this novel. As a fan of Hager's work already, I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this novel. Landry is a strong main character, who reminds me of many fourteen year olds I have met. She behaves and acts perfectly to fit the age group that Hager put her into. She is insecure, and wants to fit in, which is hard when your friends are so conniving and jealous of your success. In the beginning of this novel, Landry and her friends try out for American Ingenue, a popular modeling competition. When Landry is put through to the next round and her friends aren't, Landry is instantly shunned from her friend group and made a target for their bullying. I think that Landry handled her bullying well, and shows maturity through out the novel. The only thing that annoyed me was that she never stood up for herself, and when her friends decided to not be angry at her anymore, she just accepts them again.
I am interested to see where this series goes next. I hope that Landry figures out who her real friends are, and begins to see her beauty. As an extremely tall girl myself, I felt a connection to Landry that I haven't felt with any of Hager's other characters, in this novel and in others. I am rooting for Landry, and her parents, and all of her relationships. I hope that as the series progresses she will grow in confidence. This series has a lot of potential! I would recommend this novel to middle schoolers, and freshman in high school as I think that they would connect with the plot, characters, and emotions well.
I am interested to see where this series goes next. I hope that Landry figures out who her real friends are, and begins to see her beauty. As an extremely tall girl myself, I felt a connection to Landry that I haven't felt with any of Hager's other characters, in this novel and in others. I am rooting for Landry, and her parents, and all of her relationships. I hope that as the series progresses she will grow in confidence. This series has a lot of potential! I would recommend this novel to middle schoolers, and freshman in high school as I think that they would connect with the plot, characters, and emotions well.
July 28, 2014
This book felt just like a soap opera to me. Only geared to 13 year olds. As an adult, it was really hard to stay focused and invested but I think this book might appeal to a lot of young 13 year old girls who are in to these sort of things.
The story is all about Landry who feels all the typical insecurities of this age group, and they are many. It's a tough age and most early teen girls will be able to relate. Throw in those boy crushes, the friend drama and some family issues and you have this book in a nutshell.
Landry has self esteem issues. She never feels pretty or good enough. Friends come and go in a love-hate sort of way as many friends do at that age. Landry is always trying to figure out where she fits in while trying to please everyone. The mean girls were nailed in this book. They reminded me of a couple girls I knew at this age.
Landry and friends go to the mall a LOT. And the movies and basketball games. They have sleep over's and gossip about everyone. To me, if felt very repetative (oh, they are at the mall. Again. ) but I realize I'm not the target audience for this book. I guess for me, the book didn't really go anywhere. It just kept spinning in the same place. I didn't see much growth in Landry. I really wanted it to move forward and progress and it just didn't.
Content: It was clean. No swearing or sexual situations to report.
The story is all about Landry who feels all the typical insecurities of this age group, and they are many. It's a tough age and most early teen girls will be able to relate. Throw in those boy crushes, the friend drama and some family issues and you have this book in a nutshell.
Landry has self esteem issues. She never feels pretty or good enough. Friends come and go in a love-hate sort of way as many friends do at that age. Landry is always trying to figure out where she fits in while trying to please everyone. The mean girls were nailed in this book. They reminded me of a couple girls I knew at this age.
Landry and friends go to the mall a LOT. And the movies and basketball games. They have sleep over's and gossip about everyone. To me, if felt very repetative (oh, they are at the mall. Again. ) but I realize I'm not the target audience for this book. I guess for me, the book didn't really go anywhere. It just kept spinning in the same place. I didn't see much growth in Landry. I really wanted it to move forward and progress and it just didn't.
Content: It was clean. No swearing or sexual situations to report.
March 31, 2015
High school. Stephen King said, “I hated high school. I don’t trust anybody who looks back on the years from 14 to 18 with any enjoyment. If you liked being a teenager, there’s something wrong with you.” That quote could be Landry in the future.
True Colors is the story of how awful high school is, and how even the popular kids are made to feel unwanted. Think Mean Girls without the sex. Landry could have been any of us at that age: shy, wanting to be popular and being the victim of bullies whom she thought were her friends. It's a story of how, even when you're a good person, others will still find a way to cut you down.
Character-wise, everyone is as expected in this genre: Landry is a sweet, slightly pitiable main character whom you want to hug. Her "friends" are so detestable you want to pull their hair. And in between them you have characters to wonder about: who will be good for Landry? Who will eventually hurt her?
Ms. Hager wrote plainly and realistically, telling us about these kids who could be our neighbors. It will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and leave you ecstatic for the sequel.
Everyone over the age of twelve needs to read True Colors!
True Colors is the story of how awful high school is, and how even the popular kids are made to feel unwanted. Think Mean Girls without the sex. Landry could have been any of us at that age: shy, wanting to be popular and being the victim of bullies whom she thought were her friends. It's a story of how, even when you're a good person, others will still find a way to cut you down.
Character-wise, everyone is as expected in this genre: Landry is a sweet, slightly pitiable main character whom you want to hug. Her "friends" are so detestable you want to pull their hair. And in between them you have characters to wonder about: who will be good for Landry? Who will eventually hurt her?
Ms. Hager wrote plainly and realistically, telling us about these kids who could be our neighbors. It will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and leave you ecstatic for the sequel.
Everyone over the age of twelve needs to read True Colors!
May 6, 2016
*Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars*
I really enjoyed this book, and I could barely put it down! I loved the characters and the plot, and even though yes, it was a book including middle school friendship struggles, I feel like the author really made it unique! I found Landry to be a really relatable character, with everything she had faced in the story. It takes a lot of courage to get up on a stage and model, but even though Landry may have messed up a little bit while doing so, she really pulled through and made the best of the situation, which I admire very much! I think the author was really in touch with how teenagers of the 21st century think and act. The girls in this book were portrayed very realistically and I found their maturity levels to be just right for the age they were supposed to be. I would definitely recommend this book to any young teenager who is looking for relatable characters and situations, because even though they may not be recruited by a modelling agency (that doesn't happen every day!), all the struggles and situations are definitely the types that are experienced by today's teens!
I really enjoyed this book, and I could barely put it down! I loved the characters and the plot, and even though yes, it was a book including middle school friendship struggles, I feel like the author really made it unique! I found Landry to be a really relatable character, with everything she had faced in the story. It takes a lot of courage to get up on a stage and model, but even though Landry may have messed up a little bit while doing so, she really pulled through and made the best of the situation, which I admire very much! I think the author was really in touch with how teenagers of the 21st century think and act. The girls in this book were portrayed very realistically and I found their maturity levels to be just right for the age they were supposed to be. I would definitely recommend this book to any young teenager who is looking for relatable characters and situations, because even though they may not be recruited by a modelling agency (that doesn't happen every day!), all the struggles and situations are definitely the types that are experienced by today's teens!
November 20, 2014
How far would you go to fit in? Would you try out for a reality TV modeling competition show?
For someone as plain and tall as Landry, this definitely seemed like a waste of time, but friends pushed her into it. Now she had the grueling task of trying to look “exotic” and “gorgeous” rather than just “adorable.”
Reading this book made me feel like I was watching the floundering performances of American Idol contestants with tone-deaf voices and high-pitched shrieks. Oh, kill me now.
Witty at times but often frivolous, this story is a mild representation of peer pressure and discovery. With the insecurities of today’s youth, this book might help them find their niche. However, I got bored with all the talk of hair, make-up, heels, dresses, and the mall. How many times do kids go to the mall? I felt that Landry was just trying too hard and was overwhelmed with the incessant need to be popular. The best thing—the only thing—you can be is yourself, and it takes courage to do it. Perhaps that was the message in this story, and I certainly applaud it.
For someone as plain and tall as Landry, this definitely seemed like a waste of time, but friends pushed her into it. Now she had the grueling task of trying to look “exotic” and “gorgeous” rather than just “adorable.”
Reading this book made me feel like I was watching the floundering performances of American Idol contestants with tone-deaf voices and high-pitched shrieks. Oh, kill me now.
Witty at times but often frivolous, this story is a mild representation of peer pressure and discovery. With the insecurities of today’s youth, this book might help them find their niche. However, I got bored with all the talk of hair, make-up, heels, dresses, and the mall. How many times do kids go to the mall? I felt that Landry was just trying too hard and was overwhelmed with the incessant need to be popular. The best thing—the only thing—you can be is yourself, and it takes courage to do it. Perhaps that was the message in this story, and I certainly applaud it.
November 22, 2014
True Colors, by Krysten Lindsay Hager is scarily realistic. The author has an uncanny memory for the middle school years. Her characters speak and act realistically. If goodreads had a 4.5 rating, that is what I would have given this book.
The main character, Landry, wants to be one of those squealers who runs toward her friends shouting "OMG, do I have news for you" but she is not. She sees her life as BORING. Even when her life takes a positive turn, her low self-esteem continues to plague her. There are several reasons for this; overbearing friends, false friends, parents who are separated but do manage to get together and then fight, and boys. Then there are the BFF's who unfriend and refriend at the slightest perceived slight. They, too, are middle schoolers going through their own angst. And we can't forget about the hair.
Read my full review here on my goodreads blog or at http://fayeswordbasket.blogspot.com/
The main character, Landry, wants to be one of those squealers who runs toward her friends shouting "OMG, do I have news for you" but she is not. She sees her life as BORING. Even when her life takes a positive turn, her low self-esteem continues to plague her. There are several reasons for this; overbearing friends, false friends, parents who are separated but do manage to get together and then fight, and boys. Then there are the BFF's who unfriend and refriend at the slightest perceived slight. They, too, are middle schoolers going through their own angst. And we can't forget about the hair.
Read my full review here on my goodreads blog or at http://fayeswordbasket.blogspot.com/
July 9, 2014
So to make a long story short, this book is about a thirteen year old girl and it was written for that younger tween age group who are trying to figure out how to fit in. The main character Landry auditions for a modeling competition with her friends who talked her into it and when she is picked to move on, they dump her as a friend and give her the cold shoulder. The entire book is about Landry trying to figure out who her real friends are and how to fit it in school while dealing with her parents who are separated. For a tween reader I think this would be a great book, for an adult reader, it was hard for me to enjoy the book. Landry never really did figure out how to stand up for herself and I won't say anything more because I don't do spoilers. I received a copy of this book for free, this is my honest review.
November 10, 2014
I loved this novel. Absolutely loved it. It is better geared toward teens, especially those who have a hard time making friends; but that didn't stop this 30 year old woman from thinking it was very well written. I couldn't put the thing down, I had to know what was going to happen every step of the way. I felt very connected to the main character, Landry, right down to the not so common name. I felt like Hager tunnelled into my memory banks and ripped pieces right out of my past. The characters were all very believable. I also loved that as an adult I can clearly see how almost everything that happens in this novel is due to jealousy, yet when I was her age, I felt the weight of it the same way Landry does. I can't wait to read the next novel in the series to see how she takes on the next parts of her life.
May 14, 2016
Landry is your average American teenage girl, she wants to be popular and fit in with her peers.
When Landry's two best friends, Ericka and Tori ask her to try out for a modeling contest, she really wants to say no, but because she wants so desperately to fit in, she goes along with them. To everyone's surprise, Landry is the one that is picked. Back at school, Landry gets a bigger surprise, when she finds Ericka and Tori are no longer speaking to her because of the contest.
Landry continues on with the contest and begins making new friends and learns some lessons along the way, finding that maybe being popular isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Great Story! It has humor, angst..drama everything you would expect when dealing with teenagers!
Absolutely loved it! Looking forward to the sequel!
I was given a copy of the book by Netgalley in exchange for my review..
When Landry's two best friends, Ericka and Tori ask her to try out for a modeling contest, she really wants to say no, but because she wants so desperately to fit in, she goes along with them. To everyone's surprise, Landry is the one that is picked. Back at school, Landry gets a bigger surprise, when she finds Ericka and Tori are no longer speaking to her because of the contest.
Landry continues on with the contest and begins making new friends and learns some lessons along the way, finding that maybe being popular isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Great Story! It has humor, angst..drama everything you would expect when dealing with teenagers!
Absolutely loved it! Looking forward to the sequel!
I was given a copy of the book by Netgalley in exchange for my review..
June 9, 2014
This book brought back memories of middle school and All. The DRAMA. that comes with it. I was reading Landry's story and all of a sudden I was remembering when similar things happened. It made me realize that there is so much bullying going on in middle school, we do so much to try to fit in with our group of friends that we will take whatever it is they dish out with a smile.
This is not just great for middle school kids to read but for their parents. It would help them to understand the sort of things that do go on. Middle school was so long ago that it is something that often gets forgotten by the time you have a child of your own going through it.
I am pulling for Landry, I am looking forward to the rest of her story.
This is not just great for middle school kids to read but for their parents. It would help them to understand the sort of things that do go on. Middle school was so long ago that it is something that often gets forgotten by the time you have a child of your own going through it.
I am pulling for Landry, I am looking forward to the rest of her story.
October 1, 2014
Life Story, Friendship, Gratifying Read
True Colors, is just a dazzling story of how middle school kids show their true colors of jealousy, drama, loss and gains of friendship. However, the way Krysten wrote her story; she wrote it with passion, creativity and honesty that this story line could be placed in anyone's life at any age.
Krysten writes with such a talent that even though True Colors was an adventure into the middle school life of girls, she showed such serene and peacefulness with her words that helped the story fall into a rhythm of an enjoyable reading.
I would recommend any school to put this book on their shelf of their library or better yet, assigned it to a class to read.
True Colors, is just a dazzling story of how middle school kids show their true colors of jealousy, drama, loss and gains of friendship. However, the way Krysten wrote her story; she wrote it with passion, creativity and honesty that this story line could be placed in anyone's life at any age.
Krysten writes with such a talent that even though True Colors was an adventure into the middle school life of girls, she showed such serene and peacefulness with her words that helped the story fall into a rhythm of an enjoyable reading.
I would recommend any school to put this book on their shelf of their library or better yet, assigned it to a class to read.
July 25, 2014
This is a great book for young readers! Krysten Lindsay Hager understands what it means to be a teen today, and she writes with an authentic voice. Landry, the main character, is funny, lively, and very real. Readers will relate to her struggles with friends and family, self-esteem and self-discovery, boys and school and life in general. It's fun to read about Landry's blossoming modeling career and the changes it brings. I'm hoping for a True Colors sequel so I can find out what happens next for Landry!
May 31, 2015
I loved this story
I am a Paranormal lover but this book actually caught my attention and made me want to buy it and read it. So, I did and I am glad I did!!! This book is absolutely amazing!!!!
I loved the plot the most!!! I so understood Landry was going through. It's tough being in school and being ridiculed by everyone in your class. I highly recommend this book to all ages from teen all the way up. It will intrigue and interest you from beginning to end and I give this author five stars and more for the characters and story line!!! Simply awesome
I am a Paranormal lover but this book actually caught my attention and made me want to buy it and read it. So, I did and I am glad I did!!! This book is absolutely amazing!!!!
I loved the plot the most!!! I so understood Landry was going through. It's tough being in school and being ridiculed by everyone in your class. I highly recommend this book to all ages from teen all the way up. It will intrigue and interest you from beginning to end and I give this author five stars and more for the characters and story line!!! Simply awesome
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