This is one of those funny and touching books you run across and wonder why no one else has been making a bigger deal about it sooner. Eighth-grader Celeste pretty much likes her life. It isn't perfect, but she is happy. In fact, the only thing she has trouble with is this girl Lively Carson, who is popular and loves picking on her because of her size. Most people would say Celeste is a little Chubby, but Lively just calls her fat ... and that is when she is being nicer.

One thing Celeste is not looking forward to is the fitting for a new dress she needs because she is going to be in the wedding party for one of her cousins. The dress style her model/cousin has chosen is not exactly complimentary to her round figure. To make matters worse, Celeste's Aunt Doreen noticed that the Husky Peach stores, which specialize in clothes for girls in larger sizes, are going to be having a modeling contest.

Celeste's aunt and mother are totally excited because it might be a great way for her to be special, but Celeste has her doubts. She definitely doesn't want to be a celebrity for being a plus-sized model. After talking to her mom, they agree she just has to try the first session and see how it plays out.

That doesn't prevent Celeste from wanting to do everything she can to sabotage her chances of winning. The first step is a new diet and exercise program to lose weight so she won't be able to be considered plus-sized.

Celeste is also running into trouble with her best friend, Sandra. Sandra has gotten the attention of Lively and is brought into her inner circle. She is fortunate that she still has some other friends to turn to, but it is simply not the same.

The funny thing is that the modeling contest process starts to change Celeste in ways that she never expected. Granted, she never thought she would be good enough to be a model, but she starts to see that she has an inner strength and beauty. Being in a modeling contest seemed like the last place she should look to find that being herself was for the best.

I couldn't put this one down, and I have a feeling that most middle school (and some high school girls) will probably have the same problem. This is a perfect readalike for fans of Natasha Friend as it is another story of an everyday girl who confronts a problem with strengh. It captures a sense of realism while also being honest about the snarkishness of middle school life. It is funny chick lit, but with some meat of its own. Models may not eat chocolate cookies, but I have a feeling that a lot of readers are going to eat this one up.