Jason Percy is a sixth grader with a wild dream. His best friend, Freddy, and he have plans to get Jason a debut on their favorite game show, Masquerade Mania, when Freddy and the Percys take a car trip to California, stopping at campsites all the way, with their Miracle of Miracles, the Camp-otel, a camper that attaches to their SUV and, according to Jason, looks similar to a sardine can. Jason's nemesis, Amberson Anderson, will do anything to humiliate Jason, but Ambie Boy doesn't have a major, major part in the story. I really enjoyed following the story of Jason, Freddy, and Jason's family on their crazy adventure.  

Masquerade Mania, the game show in the book, is a genuinely original idea by Diane Roberts, the author. Jasmine and Desmond O, the wacky hosts, add life to a silly show. Diane Roberts shows promise as an author in the future, in my opinion. She can explain embarrassment with detail, and has written an entertaining novel.  

Being a sixth grader myself, however, I think that Roberts doesn't have much idea what life is like. The characteristics and actions of the children in Jason's class at school fit someone younger than their supposed age. Even Jason's sister, Jen, acts about ten years old, and the author tells us she is sixteen.  

Even though I normally enjoy stories of people my age, since I can easily relate, I think a younger audience could enjoy Made You Look more than I did. I would recommend this book to a third or fourth grade audience, or an older kid, like myself, who enjoys a funny read that can be finished quickly.  

 

~Emma Shebat, 7th grade, Canfield Village Middle School