Keeping It Real
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Keeping It Real
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
“Fun and juicy.”—New York Times
“A solid story of summer growth and exploration.”—Kirkus Reviews
Marigold Johnson is looking forward to a future full of family, friends, and fashion—but what will she do when it all explodes in her face? When she discovers that her entire life is a lie?
Keeping It Real by Paula Chase, the author of So Done, Dough Boys, and Turning Point, explores betrayal, conformity, and forgiveness—and what it means to be family—in this stand-alone novel perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Renée Watson.
Marigold Johnson can’t wait to attend a special program at her family’s business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she’s out of place compared to the three other trainees—and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight.
As tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara’s been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.
Paula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. Keeping It Real is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chase’s character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Keeping It Real by Paula Chase is well-received for its exploration of socio-economic and racial dynamics within a glamorous and somewhat fantastical setting. The story follows fourteen-year-old Marigold Johnson, an aspiring fashion designer who faces personal and familial challenges over a transformative summer at Style High. Reviews praise its handling of themes like class privilege, identity, and friendship, resonating with young readers navigating similar issues of growth and self-discovery.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780062965707
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 08 December 2022
Country: United States
Imprint: Greenwillow Books
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 194.0mm
Weight: 240g
Pages: 368
About the Author
Paula Chase is the author of several books for teens. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a cheer-leading coach and in public relations for a tech company. She is the co-founder of The Brown Bookshelf, a site designed to increase awareness of African American voices writing for young readers. She is the author of So Done.
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