Such a Pretty Face

January 1, 2008
Gr 8 Up-This collection of short stories challenges the myths and expectations surrounding the stronghold of physical beauty and leads readers to consider the genuine essences of loveliness and personal power. A balanced cast of new names in young adult literature and those readily recognized, such as Ron Koertge, Lauren Myracle, Chris Lynch, Ellen Wittlinger, Jacqueline Woodson, Norma Fox Mazer, and Tim Wynne-Jones, explore these themes in a diverse gathering of quirky, serious, humorous, enticing, and, most importantly, thought-provoking tales from many perspectives. A girl seeks both uniqueness and acceptance by dying her hair blue and piercing her nose; a boy bravely approaches the girl of his dreams despite being embarrassed by his excessively hairy adolescent body; a tiny young man fantasizes about rescuing a gorgeous girl from her suicide; a Homecoming queen sprouts an unstoppable chin hair and fears disgrace; and a paralyzed boy is taken aback by his stunning nurse. The stories are all carefully crafted with messages more inherent than blatant, encouraging some enjoyable second readings to appreciate a few of them fully. As with Donald R. Gallo's "Destination Unexpected" (Candlewick, 2003), this collection will encourage readers to consider and explore new dimensions in human experiences and relationships."Diane P. Tuccillo, Harmony Library, Fort Collins, CO"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2007
Wild, funny, and thought-provoking, this anthologys stories, contributed by well-known authors for teens, challenge readers to reconsider their notions of beauty. Several stories are fantasies. In Lauren Myracles hilarious Bad Hair Day, a homecoming queen sprouts a stubborn, vine-like chin whisker just before her crowning ceremony. Many realistic characters echo Jamie Pittels narrator, who pierces her nose, dyes her hair blue, and wonders about the difference between who you really are and who youre supposed to be, like, according to your family. Ellen Wittlingers beautiful narrator chooses to become a photographers assistant rather than the model her mother wants to her to be. Several stories, including Mary Ann Rodmans Farang, set in Thailand, confront racism and cultural ideals of beauty. Each story shows a universal ache for self-acceptance. Jacqueline Woodsons pre-teen narrator talks about a longing to be-long. Not to my friends or my block, but to me. When teens talk about beauty, they talk about their lives; this strong anthology, which includes a readers guide, is a great place to begin the wide-reaching discussion.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)