Camo Girl

An excerpt from one of my new favorite realistic fiction choices for middle school readers..."Ella and Z have been friends forever, but Z’s always been the “weird kid” in their class. This was okay back in 3rd or 4th grade, but by now their other friends have ditched them both. Z doesn’t care, but Ella longs to be part of a group where people won’t make fun of her. When a new boy, Bailey, moves to town, he befriends Ella because they’re the only two black kids in the 6th grade. Bailey’s popular–popular enough to make Ella cool and give her a wider circle of friends–but only if she stops hanging out with Z. Ella faces a difficult decision: remain loyal to the boy who has been her best and only friend forever…or embrace the opportunity to become one of the popular kids as she longs to be. But Ella’s loyalty to Z–and the secrets they share–runs deep below the surface. Is friendship with Bailey a true solution to her struggle, or just a flash in the pan? Ella’s decision will affect not just her but everyone around her. Can she make the right choice?"

LOVE this book!  Can't say enough wonderful things about it!  Girls will love it.  Boys should read it.  It's one of those books that I wish were required reading.  This book has definite Coretta Scott King Award potential and even Newbery potential.  The author's subtle writing style and ability to create characters a reader REALLY cares about...priceless.  It's a story about what's wrong on the OUTSIDE.  What we, the reader, get to care about is what happens on the INSIDE of these people and that's what is most important anyway.  The author could have taken the easy way out and simply wrote a story about a girl who is picked on for looking different.  But you know what?  That's been done!  So hoorah! for Kekla Magoon for writing Camo Girl.   I know many students who need to read this book and will be better people because of it.

Book #27 for me!
Happy Summer Reading!
RC