About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses deep dissatisfaction with their appearance or feels like an outsider in their own skin. Glory Bea is a young girl living in rural Missouri who feels defined by a large strawberry birthmark on her face, while Marvalene is a 'carnival kid' who yearns for the stability of a normal home. As their two worlds collide, they form an unlikely bond that challenges their perceptions of beauty, worth, and belonging. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers navigating the transition into self-consciousness and the desire to fit in. Through the lens of these two girls, the story explores themes of shame, family loyalty, and the realization that everyone is fighting a hidden battle. It offers a gentle, compassionate way to discuss how we value ourselves and others beyond surface-level traits.
