Frankie Landau-Banks is starting her sophomore year at the elite Alabaster Academy, and has somehow garnered the attention of Big-Man-On-Campus Matthew Livingston. But while most girls would die to be Matthew's arm candy, Frankie would rather be something more than just his girlfriend. When he starts giving vague answers regarding his whereabouts and plans, Frankie does the logical thing: she researches and investigates. When she finds out that Matthew and his friends are part of the elusive Order of the Basset Hounds, and that the Bassets are having some trouble getting organized for a Halloween prank, Frankie sees her opening to finally make an impact from the marginalized shadows. Frankie is smart, strong, bold--and not someone to be underestimated. 
 As a plot, this is a novel of espionage and accomplishment; as a message, it's about Girl Power and budding feminism. The Disreputable History shows how some teens can flawlessly implement every phase of a perfect plan and still lack the maturity to accomplish their political agendas. Frankie's desire to have her cleverness noticed and remarked upon--often at odds with her need for secrecy--may frustrate some readers but will resonate with others. Frankie is a strong, independent role model despite her social gaffes; this is a novel that will find its way into the hands of teens seeking confirmation that there's no reason to stay in someone else's shadow.