
A parent would reach for this book when their teen is struggling with the shifting sands of sibling dynamics or feeling like the 'uncool' one in the family. It is a perfect fit for a daughter who feels sidelined as a sister suddenly gains popularity or changes their appearance and personality to fit in. The story follows fifteen-year-old Carly as she navigates her jealousy and confusion when her younger sister, Anna, transforms from a quirky companion into a polished, popular socialite over the summer. While the setting is one of wealth and privilege, the emotional core is deeply relatable. Lauren Myracle explores themes of self-worth, the superficiality of high school labels, and the evolution of sisterly bonds. It is age-appropriate for middle and high schoolers, offering a humorous yet poignant look at how to maintain your own identity when the person you closest to you starts speaking a different social language. Parents will appreciate the book's ability to validate the messy, sometimes ugly feelings of sibling rivalry while steering toward a heart-centered resolution.
Typical high school crushes, dating, and some kissing.
Explores feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and social isolation.
The book deals with body image, social hierarchy, and peer pressure in a very direct, secular manner. It touches on the 'performance' of femininity and the pressure to be 'perfect.' The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on communication and mutual support rather than a return to the status quo.
A 14-year-old girl who feels like she is losing her best friend (her sister) to the 'popular crowd' and needs to hear that her feelings of jealousy and invisibility are normal.
Read cold. The book is accessible, though parents should be prepared to discuss the 'mean girl' tropes and the emphasis on physical appearance that the characters grapple with. A parent might see their children bickering constantly or hear one child express that they feel 'ugly' or 'boring' compared to a sibling.
Middle schoolers will focus on the social drama and the 'makeover' aspect. High schoolers will better grasp Carly's existential dread about losing her identity and the critique of their entitled community.
Myracle captures the specific 'language' of sisters better than most. The book doesn't shy away from the fact that sisters can be truly mean to each other while still being each other's person.
Carly and Anna are sisters raised in an affluent environment. Carly has always been the 'stable' one, while Anna was the quirky, less conventional sister. After a summer away, Anna returns having undergone a physical transformation, quickly ascending the high school social ladder. Carly struggles with resentment, a sense of loss for their old relationship, and her own insecurities as she watches Anna navigate a world of 'plastic' expectations and new boyfriends. The plot follows their friction and eventual realization that their bond is deeper than their public personas.
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