Work It, Lara Bloom – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Fashion, football, all things teen.
YA book title: Work It, Lara Bloom.
YA author: Dee Benson.
Genre: Teen fiction.
Published by: Hot Key Books.
ISBN: 9781471413636.
Recommended for children aged: 11-16 year-olds.
First published: Paperback May 2024.
This children’s book is ideal for: teen girls.
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Our review:
Work It, Lara Bloom is the second in the series of Lara Bloom titles, and it feels somewhat certain that there will be more to follow. It is easy to see the appeal – Lara is an everyday girl, and most teenagers will find something in her character to relate to. Outwardly, she appears to have it all – friends, a football team, and success at her fingertips; inwardly, Lara seems just like her readers. She lacks confidence, sees herself as the unimpressive little sister, and looks up to older girls who seem more composed and well-presented. She makes regular calamitous mistakes and is left wishing the world would swallow her whole; she is in a perpetual war with her brother over everything and nothing, but deep down, her family are her guide. It is this depth within the central character that makes Lara so appealing to her teen audience, and they are quickly drawn into her troubles.
The format too has appeal to the intended age group. Although the book itself is just shy of 400 pages, and it is a feat to imagine some teenagers having either the time or the inclination to make their way through it, the accessible diary format gives the reader something of a reprieve. There are some sections that feel a bit more narrator-based, and a good range of description and vocabulary is demonstrated in these sections (possibly to the relief of teachers and librarians wishing to encourage reading with this challenging age group). However, the overwhelming feeling is that we are immersed in Lara’s diary. This brings the reader as close to the action as possible, but it also makes the format relatable for teens – with many sections including abbreviations, colloquialisms, and all the expected icons.
The plot itself is also a clever example of inclusivity, providing appeal to as wide an audience as possible. Lara is a successful footballer, considering trials with Liverpool, but her own team faces financial concerns and possible demotion if they can’t raise the funds. Here, there is the potential, perhaps in a reading group, for valuable discussion around the inequalities that still exist in opportunities for girls and boys within the same activity – whether that be football or a career choice. Lara, however, is a good example to teen girls, refusing to accept this fate and setting about securing her team’s future single-handedly. It is here that appeal is broadened to a wider audience, as fashion takes a central place in the plot.
Our verdict:
Work It, Lara Bloom by Dee Benson is thoroughly enjoyable for the intended audience. For promoting and helping to sustain leisure reading in KS3, this title would be a perfect addition to secondary school library collections.
Many thanks to Hot Key Books for the review copy.
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If you like Work It, Lara Bloom by Dee Benson you might also like: Our Beautiful Game by Lou Kuenzler, Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie, Ella on the Outside by Cath Howe, Glow Up, Lara Bloom by Dee Benson, Girl (In Real Life) by Tamsin Winter and Geek Girl by Holly Smale.
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