INTERMEDIATE FICTION
Charles, Tami

Like Vanessa

(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.

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