SOLVED. YA realistic fiction book read around 2005-2010. First person narrator teen girl who works at a knockoff Chuck E. Cheese. [s]

[Eldritch]

While I don't remember the plot, the book was generally about life being sucky for this girl. She's going to high school and has a part time job as a costumed character at a children's arcade. She specifically mentions hating how kids pull on the rat/mouse costume's tail.

The character has a deadbeat boyfriend who was probably a bit older. He buys her a cell phone and puts them on a family plan.

She breaks up with the boyfriend and dramatically quits by the end of the book. I'm pretty sure she chucks the phone as well.

[Becca]

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson? The protagonist works in a rat costume at a place called EZ-CHEEZ-E.

[Eldritch]

Oh my god, why wasn't Laurie Halse Anderson on my list of obvious potential authors? Thank you!

[Becca]

Eldritch wrote: "Oh my god, why wasn't Laurie Halse Anderson on my list of obvious potential authors? Thank you!"

You're welcome! Glad to help.