Define "Normal"
-
- $5.99
-
- $5.99
Publisher Description
What you see isn't always what you get in this funny and heart-wrenching story about two girls from different crowds who find common ground, by National Book Award finalist Julie Anne Peters.
Antonia is a "nerd," and Jazz is a "punk." Antonia belongs to the math club; Jazz hangs out at the tattoo parlor. Antonia's parents are divorced and her mother suffers from depression. Jazz is from a wealthy, traditional family. But when these two very different girls find themselves facing each other in a peer-counseling program, they discover they have some surprising things in common. With both humor and heart, this absorbing read will keep readers thinking and laughing.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this middle-school drama, two seeming opposites become friends and discover they are not such opposites after all. Peters (How Do You Spell G-E-E-K?) does little to update this well-trod theme, and while there are touching moments in her book, it's generally bland. Nerdy Antonia is assigned to peer-counsel Jazz, whom Antonia assumes is "hopeless. A punker. A druggie. A gang hanger." After a few agonizing sessions, Antonia begins to realize how much she needs someone to talk to. Her dad has split (as readers learn midway through), her mom's so depressed she can't get out of bed and Antonia's overwhelmed with responsibility and pain. Not only does Jazz literally intervene to get her family back on the road to recovery, but by offering her friendship, Antonia learns to depend on someone besides herself. In turn, she helps Jazz learn to talk to her parents and to compromise on arguments without compromising herself. They both learn that judging people by their outside appearance can be misleading. Occasionally, Peters captures a feeling perfectly, like Antonia's loneliness. "That's how I feel, I thought. Like a star...," she says, looking at the sky. "Distant. Detached. Blinking. On-off. On-off." Mostly, though, the exposition depends more on telling than showing. Ages 8-12.
Customer Reviews
Define "Normal"
I had to read this book for a school project, i didn't think it would be such a good book. But sure was i wrong! I finished this book in 4 days, its very interesting, a book people can relate to, and great for young adults! It's basically about two girls, a straight A student & a punk girl, signed up for peer counseling end up discovering they have more in common then they could've imagined. Once you start reading you won't get enough!
An awesome book
This book was a wonderful inspiration to me and my family when we both read it. It was a very on point type of book I will or would encourage you to read it.;)
Wonderful
This book is a relatable enjoyable pleasure. I saw the cover and was interested. I read on my own freetime. I enjoy reading I just have to find the right book. This fit my taste.