Jazz Owls: A Novel of the Zoot Suit Riots

Amina's Song: Amina's Voice

A Stone in My Hand

Tricks

Cures for Heartbreak

The Carnival at Bray

Part of Me: Stories of a Louisiana Family

Pretty Face

Fans of Walter Dean Myers and Rita Williams-Garcia's One Crazy Summer will cherish this gripping story of an African American girl living in 1980s Brooklyn, who overcomes abuse and neglect in discovering real friendship, self-respect, and that pretty and mean don't always win.

  Girls who are pretty have a way of looking down their perfect noses at anyone they feel isn’t worthy of sharing the air with them. They have a way of making regular girls like me feel inferior for not winning the gene pool lottery. Tormenting them is my way of getting even.
Everyone knows that pretty equals mean, and Evelyn Ryder used to be a beautiful movie star—never mind that it was practically a lifetime ago. There’s no time limit on mean. So if you think I feel guilty about mugging her, think again.
But for something that should have been so simple, it sure went horribly wrong. 

A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

A Bankstreet Best Book of the Year

"Definitely a page-turner!"--Seventeen.com

“Exhilarating . . . compelling and believable.”— Kirkus Reviews , Starred

“A well-told story of an empowering friendship.”— The Bulletin , Recommended

“This realistic portrayal of emotions, decisions, and hardships will appeal to teens who are also struggling with their identities.”— SLJ

“Blythe, in her first book for teens, explores karma, guilt, morality, and taking responsibility for one’s actions.  . . . the story provides a thoughtful glimpse of what it’s like to reevaluate one’s life at any age.”— Publisher’s Weekly
 
“This is a classic coming-of-age story . . . Faye’s personal growth and her eventual escape from a dark home life are rewarding.”— Booklist

Discover Your Child's Next Read

Jazz Owls: A Novel of the Zoot Suit Riots

Margarita Engle, Rudy Gutierrez, 2019

Amina's Song: Amina's Voice

Hena Khan, 2021

A Stone in My Hand

Cathryn Clinton, 2002

Tricks

Ellen Hopkins, 2009

Cures for Heartbreak

Margo Rabb, 2007

The Carnival at Bray

Jessie Ann Foley, 2014

Part of Me: Stories of a Louisiana Family

Kimberly Willis Holt, Kate Reading, 2006

Pretty Face

Mary Hogan, 2008