High school senior Josie's life turns upside down when she discovers she belongs to reality TV royalty.On her 18th birthday, Iranian American Josie Lawrence's stepfather presents her with a letter from her biological father that her deceased mother had been saving for her. Josie is surprised, since her mom never forgave him for abandoning her when she was pregnant. Even more shocking is the revelation that her late father was Ali Mashad, beloved patriarch of "the most powerful family in the world." When Making Mashad debuted 15 years ago, the show catapulted the family to fame. Anxious, ordinary Josie would rather pretend she didn't just get life-changing news, but when Ali's widow shows up, that's impossible. Josie learns about a trust fund, but she can only access the money in it if she films at least one season of the show. With her stepdad working double restaurant shifts to support them and a hefty bill from Stanford looming, she can't afford to turn down millions of dollars. A whirlwind of NDAs, paparazzi dodging, and jet-setting ensues-but also sisterly bonding and a reconnection with her Persian roots. Maybe Josie will benefit from being pushed out of her comfort zone? Jalili's YA debut is fast-paced and full of drama. While the characters feel a bit like generic types, and the resolutions are a bit too tidy, the warm moments of familial connection are highlights.Light, pleasurable fare for pop-culture fans. (Fiction. 13-18)

Gr 7 Up— Keeping Up with the Kardashians meets The Princess Diaries as Iranian American Josie Lawrence discovers her biological father is deceased media magnate Ali Mashad, beloved patriarch of the OG reality TV family. Anxious, ordinary Josie expected to spend the end of her senior year prepping for Stanford and enjoying time with her friends, but participating in just one season of Making Mashad could earn her millions of dollars—enough to pay for school and her family's debts. Suddenly her life is NDAs and paparazzi, high fashion, and the Hollywood whirl, but Josie also gets the chance to bond with her half-sisters and connect with her Iranian heritage. Getting out of her comfort zone could be good for Josie, but the whole world is watching the newest Mashad daughter, and Josie has to decide how much she's willing to risk. Jalili has fleshed out an incredible cast of characters, from Josie's family and friends to the Mashads, bringing in themes of mental health, grief, family ties, and the pressures of celebrity as Josie navigates a whole new world. High drama keeps the plot pushing forward, while the impact of diaspora on the cast gives readers a window into a unique cultural experience. Close readers will appreciate the Easter egg references to pop culture icons like Gossip Girl and The Princess Diaries . The cast is diverse. VERDICT A candy bar of a book readers will want to devour in one sitting. Recommended for purchase.— Emmy Neal