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Nikki Carter has been a book-lover since she was in elementary school. Her favorite stories are fun, fresh, and full of drama. When she's not writing, Nikki enjoys reading, shopping, and hanging out by the pool. Nikki lives and loves in Dallas, Texas.

Fifteen-year-old Gia Stokes knows exactly what she needs to make her life fantabulous:
• Get her mother Gwendolyn to let her relax her hair
• Find a boy to ask her out
• Get on the Hi-Steppers dance squad

Gia doesn't have the hair or the clothes, but she's got the moves and the attitude to make her sophomore year at Longfellow High unforgettable. But not everyone agrees, so Gia decides it's time for a makeover. With her stylish new look, she scores a date with hottie football player, Romeo, snags a spot on the Hi-Steppers dance squad, and makes a ton of new friends. Gia's on top of the world until things go horribly wrong. Now Gia feels like all she has left is her mom and her faith. That's not going to stop Gia, she's just got to convince the Hi-Steppers and everyone else at school, to follow her lead and step to her beat.

Alan Review

Gia Stokes is a fifteen-year-old who is grounded in her faith and in her self-esteem. Her mother keeps her in line through church functions and tough love because she does not want Gia to become a teen mother. Gia has her head on straight with AP classes, an SAT high-frequency-word vocabulary, and creative dancing ability. But her identity and faith are challenged when she decides to try out for the Hi-Steppers dance team at her high school. As she claims one of the top spots in the group, Gia's popularity soars. Valerie, the leader of the Hi-Steppers, hooks Gia up with a makeover and a football player named Romeo. These changes cause Gia to lose touch with herself and her best friend, Ricky. She weaves a web of lies that puts her in a challenging position. Middle school and high school readers will enjoy this engaging page-turner! Reviewer: Anjeanette C. Alexander-Smith