North of Beautiful

Reach for this book if your teenager is struggling with self-image, feels trapped by a parent's unrealistic expectations, or is being bullied for an external difference. It is a vital resource for navigating the transition from seeing oneself through the eyes of others to defining one's own identity. The story follows Terra, a girl with a port-wine stain on her cheek, as she navigates a volatile home life led by a verbally abusive, perfectionist father. When she meets Jacob, a boy who embraces his own 'otherness,' she begins to question the definitions of beauty she has always accepted. This is a realistic and sometimes heavy look at emotional abuse and body image, best suited for mature teens aged 14 and up. It offers a powerful message about the courage required to claim your own life.