But the story is about ten-year-old Laney Grafton and the new girl in her class--Lara Phelps, whom everyone bullies from the minute she shows up. Laney is just relieved to have someone else as a target of bullying. But instead of acting the way a bullied kid normally acts, this new girl returns kindness for a meanness that intensifies . . . until nobody remains unchanged, not even the reader.
In a unique and multi-layered story, with equal parts humor and angst, Laney communicates the art of storytelling as it happens, with chapter headings, such as: Character, Setting, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax. And she weaves an unforgettable tale of a new girl who transforms an entire class and, in the process, reveals the best and worst in all of us.
This is a powerful and emotional story, which School Library Journal called "Thoroughly enjoyable and unexpectedly wry, . . . as intelligent as it is succinct."
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It's not often that I read a book that is "written" by a 10 year old. I say "written" because the main character is ten and the story is written as if she's the one writing it. If ever there was a book about bullying that should be in every classroom, I really think that this is the one. It shows just how cruel children (and adults) can be and while lessons were learned, there isn't always a happily ever after.
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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