Claim to Fame

By Margaret Peterson Haddix

Book Overview

Lindsay Scott hit the big time at age five, when she became the star of the television show "Just Me and the Kids." It seemed like she was set for life--until she had a nervous breakdown when she was eleven, because Lindsay had suddenly developed a very dangerous sense of ESP--the ability to hear what anyone was thinking about here, at any time, anywhere in the world. Lindsay's father whisked her away to her long-gone mother's house in small town Springdale, and Lindsay was amazed to discover that within the four walls of the house, she can't hear anything out of the ordinary. And so Lindsay has stayed hidden in the house, safe from other people's thoughts, doing her best to stay out of sight and let the world forget her. When the tabloids print a "where are they now" story about her, claiming that Lindsay's maniacal father has kept her imprisoned in her house for the past five years, a couple of well-meaning teens attempt to "rescue" Lindsay. For the first time in five years, Lindsay is outside the protective quiet of her house. And that's when she hears the one voice she never expected to hear: her mother's. When she discovers that perhaps her mother didn't leave voluntarily, she has a choice to make: will she risk everything to find the truth about her past--and the source of her ability?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416939180
• ISBN13: 9781416939184
• Release Date: November 2010
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 12 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 10

Customer Reviews

making friends with the voices in your head

I think Margaret Peterson Haddix has got the makings of another fantastic series here, with CLAIM TO FAME as an irresistible jumping off point, if she chooses to go that route. But it also works as a stand-alone novel, even if the ending seems a bit rushed. I was engrossed in this book, and honestly it struck me that CLAIM TO FAME seems like something that Nina Kiriki Hoffman, one of my favorite urban fantasy authors, would write. Like Hoffman, at least in this book, Haddix hooks you in emotionally from the opening pages. And, like Hoffman, Haddix doesn't go for the easy out, doesn't wallow in showy shenanigans. The story unfolds thoughtfully, with care invested on character development and a certain groundedness dedicated to the plot points. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book and, no, it didn't go where I thought it would. Which made it all the better. Lindsay Scott was eleven years old and the star of a hit television sitcom when she first started hearing the voices in her head. Suddenly, anytime anyone anywhere mentioned her name, Lindsay heard it. Then came the nervous breakdown and the cancellation of the show and the vile rumors. And then Lindsay Scott went away. Five years later a gossip newsrag reported that a has-been child actress was being held hostage by her controlling father in some bohunk town in the Midwest. And in tiny Springdale, Illinois, a reclusive sixteen-year-old Lindsay Scott is abducted by well-meaning teenagers. Lindsay had been hiding out, having found a bit of peace in anonymity. But now she finds herself with no choice but to confront her weird, horrible ability. And, in doing this, she'll learn all manner of things, about herself and about her family. And about her home town of the last five years - because Springdale has been harboring its share of secrets. Despite Lindsay's occasional petulance, she's a very engaging protagonist. Roz and Toby, two young people you'll meet in this book, are also appealing characters. I was really into the mechanics of the story, in how nothing momentous really seems to be happening and yet you can't tear your eyes off the pages. And the unpredictability of the plot builds up your anticipation even more. The book starts out with a damaged girl terrified of stepping outside her home, and maybe the most gratifying thing about reading this book is in seeing her slowly emerge from her self-imposed captivity and finally, finally reach out. This is a marvelous read.

Interesting

Funny how so many people want to be famous and they dont realize what it involves... this is a interesting insight into it... a easy read thats still enjoyable

Another Winner

I have read several Margaret Peterson Haddix YA novels, and they are always great reads. Ms. Haddix's stories involve unique, young female characters in unusual and interesting situations. Frequently her books contain a hint of fantasy as well. And CLAIM TO FAME, her latest work, certainly did not disappoint. Instead of fantasy, however, this novel has hints of a paranormal, combined with a tension-filled psychological thriller. In CLAIM TO FAME, 16 year old former child actress Lindsey Scott has become a recluse, ever since her wildly popular family sitcom was cancelled 5 years ago. You see, Lindsey has a secret. At the age of 11, Lindsey developed a special talent: she can hear everything everyone is saying about her all the time, all over the world. The noise inside her head can be deafening at times, and it nearly drove her crazy. Until her father moved her to Springdale, to a house that, strangely enough, shields the noise. For five years, Lindsey has remained in that safe haven, hiding from the entire world. But now, her father is dead, and Lindsey herself has been kidnapped. Out in the world again, she is hearing it all. Will Lindsey be able to keep her sanity, and return home? Or will her life be changed forever? I found CLAIM TO FAME to be a quick and captivating read. The pages turned very fast. The author uses simple, clear language that keeps the story flowing smoothly, and cleverly builds tension until I had to know what happened next. The plot is fresh and clever, and it is something I think my twelve and ½ year old daughter would enjoy. And since there is no sex, no swearing, and no gore in this book, I feel completely comfortable recommending it to her. Overall, CLAIM TO FAME is a remarkable psychological thriller, appropriate for tweens on up. And once again, Margaret Peterson Haddix and her intriging stories have completely captured my imagination. CLAIM TO FAME is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Great book with a good message for teens & tweens

Like her other books, this one plays with reality for a book with just a hint of sci fi/fantasy. Watching Lindsay deal with her talent provides the momentum for the plot and the dramatic tension. Because I came to care for Lindsay I wanted to see how she would cope, and the main question of the narrative is whether she will become a crazy recluse or be able to handle normal society. Maybe not a question of riveting interest to young people (especially boys) but I was hooked. The book was clean, although rape and child molestation are mentioned in mostly veiled references among Lindsay's fears. There is a slightly disturbing scene near the end where a prisoner who, it has been suggested, plans to violate Lindsay is released from prison and is coming closer and closer to get her. (They can keep tabs on his progress through Lindsay's talent). The scene works out in a happy manner without any violence but a sensitive child might have trouble with the innuendo throughout the book involving the prisoner. The take-home message was not to care too much about what other people think of you, which is appropriate for the main audience of the book. Lindsay is a strong main character and a good role model. Recommended.

The Ordinary Extraordinary

Unlike most of her books I've read, this one reminded me much of Double Identity. I loved that book and I loved this one as well. The analogy behind what Lindsey is going through and the past behind her. What I loved about this book is really how teenagers feel right now, obsessed about what they look like and wanting to know what others think about them. Well Lindsey does know from all around the world of every second of every day if she isn't inside her house. Another thing is that this kind of gives a glimpse of how teens feel about just wanting to hole up and not come out of their home. Also about losing parents, in Lindsey's case both, one through death, the other through misunderstandings. I truly love this book and know that many of the teens in our library will truly enjoy it, especially our young teenage girls.