Lori Weber

"[b:Picture Me|17943988|Picture Me|Lori Weber|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1385944115s/17943988.jpg|25156500]" by Lori Weber is a YA book that is recommended by the publisher to be for reluctant readers and other teens.

The reasons I read the book are:

I. NetGalley offered me a chance to read this title.
II. The subject matter is bullying.
III. It is an easy read.

Why I read "Picture Me" to the end:

I. Once I started reading I did not want to stop.

II. I was hooked immediately by the dynamics presented in the classroom. A teacher has each student read a portion of a poem "Barbie Doll" unknowingly sets up Krista for bullying by other students.

III. Each chapter contains the point of view of the three different girls locked into this social dynamic.

Characters:

Tessa - Responsible. Loyal. She helps her mother care for her younger sister Annie. They recently lost their father. They live in low income housing.

Krista - Victim of societal errors; like thinking it is okay to hurt others that do not fit into "Barbie Doll" mode. Does she live through it?

Chelsea - Her view of life and all that is around her is seen through ashen grey lenses.

Overall:
I have recommended that this book be added to our YA Collection of our local library.

Content: There is violence on different levels, but nothing horrific. Sexual content is alluded to, but no graphic details are included. This story ends with a very positive note for most of the characters.
… (mer)

At first I wasn't sure I would like this novel. The opening chapters read like a travelogue. But I soon realized that the setting was as much a character as any of the humans. The Newfoundland culture is fascinating, this does sound breathtaking, and the young man, Jim, is the perfect person to meet if you have lost your sense of joy. He has much to teach the protagonist, Cheryl, about courage, friendship, family, and compassion. A gentle story of a girl who has chosen a bitter outlook on life and feels alone in the world. She meets a young man who is far more reason to be bitter and cynical, but yet he lives with hope and brings happiness to everyone around.

This book reads like a sweet dream. However, I think they could have come up with a better title.… (mer)