"A fast, funny, and interesting story about what is, perhaps, an unexpected topic for a YA novel: plastic surgery for young adults. Plastic contains interesting information on elective cosmetic surgery, including its potential complications…Recommended."
"In our hyperkinetic, disposable culture, the book Plastic is that rarity: a readable cautionary tale about responsible activism."
"138 words for breasts, that's how many Jack knows...what a way to start a YA novel that is sure to appeal to boys!...Harvey [is] able to say a lot about the pros and cons of plastic surgery, while creating a fast-moving and compelling story that will appeal to even the most reluctant readers."
Tri State YA Book Review Committee
"This short, quick read has a plausible conclusion and a strong but not beat-you-over-the-head-with-it message."
"This is a book every teenager, especially girls, should read. In a time when our society places so much emphasis on appearances, we see teenagers making decisions about their bodies that could have catastrophic outcomes…A very quick and eye-opening read."
Musings of a Book Addict blog
"It will provoke rich discussion: besides the ethics of enhancement surgery, Harvey explores differences between siblings' personalities, offers a realistic transsexual character, and gives Jack a chance to work through his relationship with the teenage girl he thinks of as his nongirlfriend. A good addition to collections of contemporary fiction exploring real issues."
"Coherent and easy to read...This novel would be good for students who want to learn more about plastic surgery, especially those who want to start learning more about the risks."
"Embedded in this story of teenage friendship is some serious commentary on body image and the ethics of plastic surgery and teenagers...A quick read that definitely has teen appeal."
Washington State Young Adult Review Group
"This book was very interesting...[and] relevant to life today."
Student Reviewer Tacoma School District #10
"Will have an adolescent boy hooked…Portrays teens in a positive light by showing readers that they are more than willing to not only help out a friend, but also protest when they feel strongly about something that is unjust. The cover will attract an audience, and the storyline will keep them reading. Recommended."
"It will provoke rich discussion: besides the ethics of enhancement surgery, Harvey explores differences between siblings' personalities, offers a realistic transsexual character, and gives Jack a chance to work through his relationship with the teenage girl he thinks of as his nongirlfriend. A good addition to collections of contemporary fiction exploring real issues."
"138 words for breasts, that's how many Jack knows...what a way to start a YA novel that is sure to appeal to boys!...Harvey [is] able to say a lot about the pros and cons of plastic surgery, while creating a fast-moving and compelling story that will appeal to even the most reluctant readers."
Tri-State YA Book Review Committee
Gr 8 Up—Any book that opens with 40 different terms for breasts is going to have a certain appeal for preteen and teen boys. Jack is into female anatomy, even though he hasn't had any real experience with a naked woman. When his best friend decides to have plastic surgery to enhance her breasts for her 16th birthday, he is horrified. In his quest to stop her, he finds there are some unscrupulous physicians who are mutilating young people with a complete disregard for anything but the paycheck. Jack visits three local plastic surgeons for bogus consultations and finds one who instantly agrees that his perfectly normal nose is deformed. Jack and his mom decide to peacefully protest doing plastic surgery on teenagers at the surgeon's office, and the news picks up the story. This novel is characteristically fast paced and of high interest. Information about both the pros and the cons of plastic surgery is included without detracting from the plot. Plastic does a good job of exploring an important societal issue while telling a timely tale.—Emily Chornomaz, West Orange Public Library, NJ
