The Queen of Second Place

Cassie Howard truly believes that every human being on earth is born with one special talent. Unfortunately, hers is taking second place. No matter how hard she tries, she’s always second best . . . in school, in life, and especially in love.



When Cassie discovers new-boy-in-town Kevin Matthews, she wants him on sight. But so does Sterling Carter, a ridiculously beautiful preppy princess and Cassie’s enemy since freshman year. Sterling is the kind of girl who always gets it all, and Cassie . . . isn’t. Is there any point even trying when the first fifteen years of Cassie’s life have proven she’s doomed to fail? Can the Queen of Second Place ever truly win?



With fresh determination and the support of friends whose not-so-glorious talents range from parking cars to whistling, Cassie sets out to capture Kevin’s heart and make herself first . . . at last.

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“Suspenseful and often witty, this book makes losing by a hair seem almost fun.” —Publishers Weekly



“Roberts clearly takes the crown for this witty and inventive offering.” —School Library Journal



“Light and funny.” —Booklist



“The Queen of Second Place hits a home run.” —San Diego Union–Tribune

Florida Teens Read List

Young Adult Sequoyah Masterlist

A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age

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Let’s just be clear on one thing: this wasn’t about the dance.



It was never about the dance. But now Sterling had me. If Kevin didn’t ask me to the formal, I was going to look like the world’s biggest loser. Worse, if he asked her, I was going to be the world’s biggest loser. I’m pretty much used to coming in second, but coming in second to Sterling Carter is more than any human being should be asked to bear. I promised myself I wouldn’t let that happen.



A girl has to draw the line somewhere.