The lesson in this book is that even when the school year started off with a lot of apprehension and hesitation for a skinny fourth-grade girl, it ended with knowing herself better and being secure with it. Fourth grade is a time when many students are looking for an identity that will carry them through their schooling years and into their adult life. This book does a good job of showing how a child can cope with the situations around her and become a stronger person.

I did have a few issues with the book however and that is what dropped its rating. While it is short enough for third graders, I would be reluctant to give it to students younger than fifth grade due to some references in the text, including one to PlayBoy. Some of the characters are VERY interesting and I wish they had developed more. Some inconsistencies with numbers and several typos and typesetting errors plagued the book as well.

However, I found it a charming story of a young girl who copes with a bully, and the realization that her best friend treats her like dirt. She is able to stand up for herself without hurting anyone else and know who her true friends are.

Why 4 stars?:
If it weren't for some inappropriate references and poor editing, I would have given the book 5 stars. It is not a fantastic book that everyone needs to read, but there is an important message told that may sink into the minds of a few of our children and help them to grow stronger self-identities.

A compelling, exciting must-read for children and teens of all ages. It focuses on a girl, Nora Jean, who expresses what most kids her age are trying to do. She tries to do the right thing, but it doesn't always work out. The book explains about life and the troubles involved in it. Over all, an outstanding book!