I have few academic memories of middle school, but a seemingly unlimited number of stories about best-friends-forever who were not, epic drama in the cafeteria, and I-heard-that-she-said-that-he-said whispers in the girls' bathroom. The 6th through 8th grade years are simultaneously fabulous and horrific. It's an exciting time for youth who are finding their own voice, maneuvering a changing body, and trying-on new independence. However, I've considered asking for a sabbatical from parenthood when my own boys reach the middle school years. I may not be strong enough to endure the angst.
This delightful book enters the world of middle school girls through two voices. One voice belongs to Colleen Pomerantz, who is sucked into the drama of the resident 'mean girl' while valiantly struggling to remain true to herself. The other voice belongs to Emma-Jean Lazarus, an objective observer to the complicated choices of her tween peers. As an adult, I tend to read between the lines detailing such characters, but as a whole I was impressed that this book offers a wonderfully balanced view of the social maze that middle school girls often travel. There is good (the joy of a BFF and the excitement only expressed through high-pitch squealing) and there is bad (fear of rejection and feeling hopelessly misunderstood). However, in the end all is ok. In the end, you will survive. In the end, things get better.
A bit of humor, a dose of truth, and a subtle underlying mystery -- I highly recommend this book for young girls who can relate to the overall setting. Of course, I don't think my nine-year old son will share my appreciation. I found this 'Emma-Jean Lazarus title' while previewing books for his nightstand. So.....I guess that means it's back to the stacks for me. I'll let you know what I find.
A bit of humor, a dose of truth, and a subtle underlying mystery -- I highly recommend this book for young girls who can relate to the overall setting. Of course, I don't think my nine-year old son will share my appreciation. I found this 'Emma-Jean Lazarus title' while previewing books for his nightstand. So.....I guess that means it's back to the stacks for me. I'll let you know what I find.