Tween Tuesday: Olivia Bean Trivia Queen

4 M & M Cookies.

Cover Love:  I have seen two covers for this one and I have to say I like the one with the real girl on there a little better.

Why I Wanted to Read This:

The synopsis really intrigued me.  I don't know that we have had a MG book about a trivia loving tween girl ever before!  Here's the synopsis from GoodReads:
Olivia Bean knows trivia. She watches
Jeopardy!
every night and usually beats at least one of the contestants. If she were better at geography, she would try out for the show’s kids’ week. Not only could she win bundles of money, she’d get to go to the taping in California, where her dad, who left two years ago and who Olivia misses like crazy, lives with his new family.

One day Olivia’s friend-turned-nemesis, Tucker, offers to help her bulk up her geography knowledge. Before Olivia knows it, she’s getting help from all sorts of unexpected sources: her almost-stepdad, superannoying Neil; her genius little brother, Charlie; even her stressed-out mom. Soon she has breezed through the audition rounds and is headed for Hollywood! But will the one person she wants to impress more than anyone else show up to support her?

I Kept Reading Because: The author really makes you care about Olivia. She has to endure some crappy things!

What I Liked (& Didn't):

If there is one thing I can take away from this is that kids truly listen to what parents say, especially when they are pointing our their flaws.  Once Olivia's dad told her she wasn't good at geography and she held onto that.  If her father had still been around he might have been able to change that, but he left and she kept those damaging words close to her heart.

The author wrote Olivia so well.  She was little girl who was really, really hurt that her father left her.  And the pain comes through in spades.  All she wants it to have him back in her life, even if it's for just a little bit.  And that's where the Jeopardy! contest comes into play.  There is also more to the story of her dad leaving.  When Olivia finally gets to talk to someone else involved in the situation it really helps her put thing in perspective.

And that's what I liked the most about this story.  Olivia doesn't just get hit over the head with these realizations about her father and her mother's new boyfriend Neil (and her friend Tucker).  They come slowly, played out well throughout the whole book.  By the end she truly comes to appreciate those around her and the life she is living!

To Sum Up:  This is one that is emotional but has it;s fun moments as well.  I know plenty of MG readers in my library who will enjoy reading this one!

eGalley from NetGalley & Random House!  Thanks!!

Tween Tuesday is hosted by the GreenBeanTeenQueen--check her out!