Shrimp    by Rachel Cohn Order:  USA  Can Simon & Schuster, 2005 (2005) Hardcover, Paperback Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Lyn Seippel In spite of her motley past, Cyd Charisse, recovering hellion, is such a mixture of naiveté and wistfulness that you can't help but be in her corner. In her first book, Gingerbread, Cyd backslid a few times too often and was shipped off to New York City to spend time with her 'bio dad.' In Shrimp, Cyd is back home in San Francisco and beginning her senior year at her alternative high school. She is in a hurry to reclaim her lost love and soul mate, Shrimp. With this mission in mind, Cyd Charisse can't afford to lose her new found freedom so she allows her little sister, Ash, to blackmail her into giving up Gingerbread, her cherished rag doll. Seven-year-old Ash, a hellion-in-training, has a customized Barbie collection that includes Horror Movie Barbie whose head is lopped halfway off and Commando Barbie, complete with guns to pistol whip Ken. Since Gingerbread is ready to retire from being Cyd's constant companion, Cyd agrees to give the doll to Ash, provided Ash promises to keep her safe. All of Cyd Charisse's remarkable friends from Gingerbread are back, plus two new girlfriends. Shrimp's hippie parents also appear, shedding much needed light on Shrimp's past. Although she is older and wiser in this book, Cyd Charisse is still a fearless risk taker. Her strong voice allows readers to share her outlook and feelings about being seventeen and fighting for control of her destiny. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews