Things Jolie Needs to Do Before She Bites It

Starred review from May 21, 2018
A book about a girl’s facial deformity could easily become maudlin, but Winfrey (Love and Other Alien Experiences) employs sharp wit to offer ample levity as she traces 16-year-old Jolie’s trials in the weeks before her corrective surgery. Jolie dreams of having a “normal silhouette” post-procedure, with her “teeth lined up exactly where they’re supposed to be.” She is also fixated on the slight chance that she could die on the table and decides to create a bucket list of things to do before her operation. Her top priority is to kiss a boy, specifically handsome Noah Reed. Knowing that he will likely get the lead of the school’s spring musical (a play involving a pig farmer’s colonization of the moon), she auditions for a role among the chorus of pigs, despite her dread of being seen on stage. Jolie gets more than she bargains for when she wins the female lead opposite Noah—but her interest in him quickly dwindles as she realizes her heart really belongs to her best friend, Derek. Numerous laugh-aloud moments don’t lessen the potency of the story’s messages about beauty’s subjectivity and overcoming fears. Readers will gleefully cheer Jolie on as she learns to appreciate herself for who she is. Ages 13–18.

June 1, 2018

Gr 7 Up-In a few months, Jolie is going to have surgery to correct her underbite. She's looking forward to finally being as pretty as her older sister, Abbi-not to mention being able to chew her food more easily, not speak with a lisp, and no longer have headaches. When she starts to worry that she'll die or her lips will get numb as a result of the surgery, Jolie makes a list of things to do before she "bites it." Her best friends Evelyn and Derek are on board, helping her try every appetizer on the Applebee's menu and suggesting that she audition for the school musical so that she can kiss Noah Reed. Then Derek admits that he has feelings for her, creating consequences not just for Jolie and Derek, but for her friendship with Evelyn as well. The author has a light touch with heavy topics and has crafted a funny and relatable lead, well-developed secondary characters, and great story lines. This is a brisk read with real insight into friendships and young romance. Readers will want to spend their time with Jolie, her family, and her friends. VERDICT Recommended for general purchase.-Kefira Phillipe, Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL

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