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284 pp.
| Charlesbridge |
March, 2018 |
TradeISBN 978-1-58089-777-8$16.99
(2)
4-6
Despite considering herself "too dark" and "too fat," eighth grader Vanessa dreams of following in the footsteps of her beauty-contestant mother, who left when she was a baby. Talented singer Vanessa gets her chance when her school holds its first-ever beauty pageant. Readers of Charles's debut novel will empathize with Vanessa's journey to earn the crown as she struggles to maintain friendships, develop self-confidence, and confront her family's demons.
Reviewer: Eboni Njoku
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2018