
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating a sudden life-altering change, particularly one involving physical trauma or a shift in social status. It is a powerful resource for discussing how identity is often tied to appearance and how true friendship is revealed in times of crisis. The story follows fifteen-year-old Izzy after a car accident results in the amputation of her leg. It explores themes of grief, body image, and the courage required to reinvent oneself when the old 'normal' is gone. Parents will appreciate the realistic, unsentimental approach to Izzy's recovery. It is most appropriate for readers aged 12 and up who are ready for a serious but ultimately empowering look at resilience.
A drunk driving accident is the inciting incident of the plot.
The book deals directly with medical trauma and its impact on Izzy's life and relationships. The approach is secular and highly realistic, focusing on the mechanics of prosthetic use and the psychological toll of being stared at or pitied. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: Izzy accepts her new body, though she acknowledges it will never be the same.
A thoughtful teenager who feels defined by their external achievements or social circle and needs to see a model of internal strength. It is perfect for a student who has experienced a major health setback or feels like an outsider in their own community.
Parents should be aware of the depiction of the drunk driving accident (non-graphic but emotionally heavy) and the ableist attitudes Izzy encounters as she navigates her new reality. While set in the 1980s, the core emotional truths remain timeless. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'Nobody likes me now that I'm different,' or noticing their child withdrawing from friends after a physical change or injury.
Younger teens will focus on the 'scary' aspect of the accident and the physical recovery. Older teens will resonate more with the social politics of the high school hallway and the subtle ways friends fail one another.
Voigt focuses on the social and psychological shift Izzy experiences, offering a realistic portrayal of adapting to a major life change. The relationship between Izzy and the prickly Rosamunde is one of the most authentic depictions of teen friendship in YA literature. """
Fifteen-year-old Izzy Lingard is a 'nice girl' with a stable social life until a car accident involving a drunk driver leads to the amputation of her leg below the knee. The story follows her grueling physical recovery and the even more difficult social transition as she realizes her old 'popular' friends are uncomfortable with her new reality. She eventually finds an unexpected bond with Rosamunde, an blunt and unconventional classmate who sees Izzy for who she is, not what she has lost.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review