Sixteen-year-old Chloe, a true fashionista who never misses an episode of Design Diva (a TV reality show that pits wannabe fashion designers against each other for extreme design challenges) cannot believe it when the show host announces the launch of a new TV series, Teen Design Diva. Auditions for the new series are to be held around the country, including two locations in Chloe's home state of California, with the first two rounds narrowing the field to forty teen contestants. From those forty, fifteen teen designers will be selected to go to New York to be filmed for the show while competing for a fashion internship with a top NYC designer. Through design challenges encompassing rodeo, toy store, and zoo themes for clothing, accessories, and jewelry, Chloe tackles one design challenge at a time, tapping her creativity, trusting her instincts, relying on her family and friends, and staying true to herself throughout the intensely competitive process.A fascinating perspective on the fast-paced, high-pressure fashion design world, Making the Cut immerses the reader in the design experience, offering an insider's look at this creative process. Alternately "Confident Chloe, Cowardly Chloe, Charismatic Chloe, Clumsy Chloe," [p. 380] Chloe's personal growth will engage readers immersed in their own identity development. High quality layout and premium paper showcase lavish sketchbook-style illustrations from an experienced fashion industry artist, offering an aesthetically enhanced reading experience that will appeal to a range of young readers with interests in creative endeavors.Kim Carter.This book is by far one of the best books this reviewer has read. Anyone who is interested in fashion and wants to pursue fame in the fashion industry but has lost hope will love this book. It reminds readers that no matter how shy you are, the effort you put into your passion always brings out the best in you, and in the process, young adults learn that they can become more than they ever dreamedthey can become themselves. Many young people will relate to this book. 4Q, 4P.Teania Moore-Case, Teen Reviewer.

Project Runway meets Mean Girls in this fashion-inspired first volume of the Chloe by Design series. Chloe Montgomery has always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, so when her favorite reality show, Design Diva, offers up a teen version of the show, Chloe knows she has to audition e show's wild challenges will push her creatively. She gets in, but can she overcome her shy instincts and handle criticism from both the judges and her fashion nemesis? While the writing and story line may be a bit simplistic and the characters stock (the nervous protagonist, the supportive best friend, and the archrival frenemy), the book shines in its descriptions of fashion designs. Full-color fashion-sketch illustrations accompany the text, showing off Chloe's and the other competitors' designs. While the outcome is predictable, Chloe's journey (and the fashions that accompany it) make for an enjoyable, fluffy read. Perfect for readers obsessed with fashion, clothing design, and reality TV.

Gr 6-8 Sixteen-year-old Chloe Montgomery is a self-described fashion addict. Not only does she devour fashion magazines and TV shows, but she is also an aspiring fashion designer. When her favorite fashion reality show, Design Diva (think Project Runway ), offers teen designers an opportunity to audition for the teen version of Design Diva , she decides to apply. With the support of her parents, best friend Alex, and a few inspirations, she makes the final cut and lands a spot on the show. Much to her chagrin, her nemesis, Nina, also gets a spot. Filming in New York is more difficult than Chloe anticipated, and the competition is fierce and intimidating. Chloe has difficulty conquering her self doubt and her suspicions about Nina's true intentions. As the competition draws to its conclusion, Chloe finds that in order to be successful she must stay true to herself. The protagonist is a relatable character whose struggles with self doubt will resonate with readers. The fun and frothy plot reads quickly, and the fashion sketches add to the enjoyment of the book. This will find a fan base with fashion and reality TV show addicts alike. Kefira Phillipe, Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL