Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com

Margarita Antonia Diaz is a big, beautiful, and proud Latina woman. Okay, she's still in high school, so maybe not a woman, but definitely more than a girl. Either way, this is Margarita's senior year, and everything is perfect! She has Lucas, her fabulously gay best friend; she has amazing clothes, thanks to her talented designer of an older sister; the cute boy seems to be noticing her; and really, no one can help but love Margarita.

Except maybe Bridget Benson. Bridget and Margarita were best friends when they were little kids. Both were child actors and Bridget got a part that Margarita wanted. They've hardly spoken since. Not that Margarita didn't try, but it's been a long time, and the hurt has turned into anger. Somehow, during a huge confrontation at a party, Bridget and Margarita end up daring each other to compete for Prom Queen. Suddenly senior year is looking much more dramatic.

Margarita gets sucked into competing for popularity, and more than loses her perspective. In fact, she's beginning to think she's losing herself. Though not in poundage, despite her mother's best efforts to irritate and prod and serve the blandest, most boring food ever! When her dad gets sick unexpectedly, Margarita's great year has officially collapsed. What else can go wrong? Sometimes it's better not to ask, but Margarita has way too much personality to not pull through, right?

I love Margarita! I want to hang out with her every day. She feels like a real person from the first paragraph. She has such a unique, strong, hilarious voice and point of view. I felt like I was listening to her talk, not reading a story.

I love this book! It is honest, and sweet, and evil, and hilarious! This is real high school, with drunken parties, swearing, gayness, cattiness, pettiness, crushes, frustration, and serious attitude. And, really, how can you not love the title?

I fully intend to go out and buy any other book I can find by Nico Medina. If you don't want to go that far, you should at least read this one. It's way too much fun to miss! ( )

Bridget Benson beat Margarita Diaz (“Madge”) out of a TV role when they were 8 years old. Madge was devastated. But she was even more devastated when Bridget didn’t return her phone calls. It was the end of a beautiful friendship.

Bridget’s career took off. She is gorgeous…what a teen TV star is supposed to look like. She has her cadre of followers and is liked for her star power rather than herself. She has to maintain her star image and works hard for it.

Madge, on the other hand, decided acting wasn’t for her. In the intervening 10 years, she’s put on a few pounds…well maybe a little more than a few pounds. She now tips the scale at over 200 pounds, but she has no body image problems. Actually, she’s feisty and friendly and an all around dynamo.

In a fit of drunken daring, Madge’s gay best friend Lucas dares her, for $50, to ask Bridget why she, already popular, is running for Prom Queen. Bridget’s demeaning response prompts Madge to run against her…not because she wants the prize. Only to deny Bridget the honor. Thus begins a humorous, serious, rollicking account of the Prom Queen race.

As with any such book, you have romance: Madge thinks Redneck Randy is cute. Lucas is having problems with his boyfriend Zach who is not quite ready to come out. Bridget thinks she’s irresistible to every guy. You’ve got family problems: Madge’s mom wants her to eat healthy but Madge can’t resist Krispy Kremes or McDonalds. Madge’s workaholic dad has a heart attack. I won’t tell you about Bridget’s mother. Let that be a surprise. And I certainly won’t tell you who became Prom Queen.

In fat hoochie prom queen, Nico Medina has created a bunch of characters you immediately like (Madge, Lucas, Lucas’ Mom-Mitzi) and some you don’t especially like (Bridget). He’s created a story that has both fun moments and serious moments. He has created a great beach read. Give it a try. ( )