Synopses & Reviews
Meredith is determined to make her mark as she starts Grade 10 - and claiming the "cool" seat in home room is her first step. But that decision brings her unwanted attention from the school's "kingpin of the underworld" and her new enemy is smart, determined and capable of holding a long-term grudge. Should she just back away? But how will she look at herself in the mirror if she does? With the help of her two best friends, Reb and Dean, she will have to find a way to stand up for herself and survive high school with her dignity intact.
Review
Praise for Born Ugly by Beth Goobie:
“This taut thriller showcases the award-winning Canadian author's gift for creating memorable teen characters who confront tough issues alone—in this case, teen bullying, portrayed in gritty, claustrophobic detail by its victim… Goobie's third-person voice relentlessly puts readers directly in Shir's head, pulling no punches in creating a memorable, believable character. Working-class, alcoholic Shir is no swan in ugly-duckling disguise, but despite the rotten hand life's dealt her, she's got heart and courage and a stubborn refusal to give up that will keep readers rooting for her.” (Kirkus Reviews)
Synopsis
2014 High Plains Book Awards finialistMeredith is determined to make her mark as she starts Grade 10--and claiming the "cool" seat in home room is her first step. But that decision brings her unwanted attention from the school's "kingpin of the underworld" and her new enemy is smart, determined and capable of holding a long-term grudge. Should she just back away? But how will she look at herself in the mirror if she does? With the help of her two best friends, Reb and Dean, she will have to find a way to stand up for herself and survive high school with her dignity intact.
Reviews:
"Beth Goobie's new YA novel, The Throne, captures the minutia of high school bullying in chilling detail. Adolescent readers in Grades 8 through 11 will appreciate the regard Goobie pays to threats and power struggles so subtle they might appear absurd to many adults. . .
"This quietly powerful novel may help to play a role in eradicating one of the most pressing social issues facing adolescents."
Highly Recommended.
-- CM Magazine
"Once again, author Beth Goobie provides pre-teen and teen readers with a compelling story about bullying that features many positive female role models. Meredith's journey of self-discovery is met with an unsatisfying but realistic ending and makes her aware that things are often more complicated than they seem. The Throne is an enjoyable recreational read."
-- Canadian Children's Book News
About the Author
Beth Goobie graduated from the University of Winnipeg and the Mennonite Brethren Bible College. She is an award-winning writer of young adult fiction and is best known for her quirky and dark stories. Her novel Before Wings won the Canadian Library Association's Young Adult Book Award in 2000, and was chosen by young readers for the Best Books list of the American Library Association.