In Cecily von Ziegesar's new series, Gossip Girl character Jenny Humphrey leaves Manhattan to attend boarding school at the elite Waverly Academy in upstate New York. Jenny is determined to start completely over from who she was at Constance Billard, and create a new, cool, chic persona. Jenny knows she's up for a challenge when her new roomates are the best friends of the former Waverly Academy It Girl, but she's up for it. Nothing can deter her from her path to being elevated to It Girl status. Not her roomates, not the Disciplinary Committe, nothing. This book gives insight into a new side of Jenny Gossip Girl readers had not been previously privy to, and serves up a whole new set of scandals, intrigue, and gossip. Fans of Gossip Girl will love this new read, but it is not neccessary to have read it to enjoy The It Girl.

Sophomore Jenny Humphrey is finally vacating the city, as well as the illustrious Constance Billard, and heading to the countryside to attend the prestigious Waverly Academy. While it may just be a stone's throw away from the bright lights of Times Square, Jenny knows that it's a place where she can finally reinvent herself, and create a name she feels is worthy. A place where she can become...an It Girl. As soon as she arrives on campus, everything feels different, from the horsey smells, to the lone owls flying around, Jenny feels as if she has arrived, and intends on embracing the goddess she truly is. Now all she needs is a proper boy toy to worship her. But when Jenny encounters her two uber-rich, self-absorbed roommates - Callie Vernon and Brett Messerschmidt - Jenny begins having second thoughts. After all, those two are only ready to lend a helping hand if something's in it for them. And increasing Jenny's popularity doesn't likely hold a very high place on their to-do list. Surrounded by gorgeous girls, and even more gorgeous guys, Jenny knows that she's in the right place, now she just has to find the ability to stay there. And, if taking the fall for someone else, getting caught with "off-limit" boys in "off-limit" areas, and going up against the Disciplinary Committee all in the first week of classes is what it takes, then Jenny's all for it. After all, there's nothing that she wouldn't do to become...an It Girl.

I will admit that I only read the first three GOSSIP GIRL novels before stumbling upon THE IT GIRL series, but I can honestly say that this has got to be one of the juiciest, most riveting spin-offs I've ever laid my hands on. Cecily von Ziegesar has finally made little Jenny Humphrey the star of her own series, and has added handfuls of other memorable characters to accompany her on her many, often risque, excursions. Jenny, as in the GOSSIP GIRLS series, continues on her way of adorableness laced with a "Lolita"-esque personality that drives the guys wild; while the possibly eating disorder plagued Callie; and teacher-loving Brett add even more scandalous-ness to the mix. Throw in a few cute guys - the rugged bad-boy, Easy; the metro, caring ex-boyfriend, Brandon; the playboy Heath; and various others, and you've got yourself an irresistible combination. Ziegesar has created another unstoppable, drool-worthy series that is impossible to put down. THE IT GIRL is, without a doubt, the must-have accessory of the season.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer