When Fara Ross accidentally wears mismatched socks to school one day, everybody talks. But, she realizes, continuing to mismatch is a fun way to promote her ideals: freedom of expression, originality, and celebrating differences. However, as her sock fame spreads from the classroom to the community, she worries that the novelty is overtaking her purpose. When she runs for sixth-grade president, the attention backfires and impacts both the election and her friendships, and Fara wonders if she'll ever be known as more than sock girl. Fara's appealing, lively, third-person narrative occasionally highlights other characters' experiences and includes local newspaper articles. Readers will appreciate the familiar scenes at home and school, from dealing with a class nemesis to feeling pigeonholed and working through friendship issues. Though the sock theme, carried out in frequent puns ( Sockinental Congress ), occasionally seems forced, this enjoyable debut novel includes diverse characters and thought-provoking ideas that will engage young people. Readers will recognize Fara's growing awareness of herself and the rewards of working with others for support and positive change.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2009 Booklist

While social activism arguably deserves promotion, this well-intentioned narrative provides only lackluster support for its cause. Environmentalist Fara Ross is famous for her unusual socks and decides to continue this fashion tradition when she campaigns for sixth-grade class president. Her catchy slogan, "Vote for Fara and School Won't Sock," garners support, but Fara struggles when her colorful clothing consumes her identity. When other classmates voice their objections to footwear, Fara organizes the First Sockinental Congress to provide a forum for supporters, though Fara's friendships and campaign suffer as her priorities change. Unfortunately, Fara's self-righteousness will do little to inspire readers. "Fara had resolutely continued to build her reputation as the forward-thinking student who got things accomplished. If someone else in her class was dedicated to causes, Fara wondered why she had yet to meet her..." Repetitive jokes fall flat, dialogue is often dated and contrived characterization stunts this formulaic plot. While there are some memorable moments as Fara matures, the agenda-laden message makes for a didactic debut. (Fiction. 9-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 3-6-Fara wore mismatched socks to school in fifth grade and caused such a ruckus that she started mixing them on purpose so that others would notice her. Now in sixth grade, she's known as "that sock girl," and she uses this attention to launch a campaign for class president. Once elected, she hopes to establish a recycling program and be known for something worthwhile. Unfortunately, the sock craze has a momentum all its own, and Fara struggles to keep it under control while launching her campaign, navigating a misunderstanding with her best friend, and sparring with the class villain. The writing is clear, and the kids' voices are realistically silly. Never have so many sock puns been compiled into one volume. The third-person narration increases suspense by giving readers information hidden to Fara. She matures realistically throughout the novel and ends up content with the outcome, even though it isn't all she had hoped for. The story is sometimes far-fetched, but it consistently comes back down to earth with likable characters, unexpected twists, and a bit of whimsy.-Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Fara becomes a local celebrity after accidentally mismatching her socks. She realizes fame could bring attention to issues she cares about, such as the environment. However, as Fara runs for student council she realizes she's popular for her socks, not her ideas. Though the story is message-y, Weissman's colorful cast of characters and sense of humor make for a lively read. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.