Annotation: 14 year old Georgia has a problem – make that several! Her dad can’t hold down a job, her cat wants to eat the neighbor’s poodle, and she’s never even kissed a boy. (Thank God for free lessons!) How will she ever snag the boy of her dreams with a nose that even her best friend only rated 4¼???
Justification for Rejection: This fictional journal, which humorously chronicles a year in the life of a 14 year old British girl, certainly entertains, and the story will resonate emotionally with many teens. The author has created a main character, Georgia, who's voice feels as authentic as it can while still developing characters and telling a fully-fleshed out story. Perhaps in part because of the limitations of the journal format, however, this work doesn't have what it takes to be a truly great contribution to YA literature.
This book is a coming-of-age tale about a teenager questioning who she is and where she fits in. The battle is mainly internal - Georgia is critical of herself and those around her. Her attitudes about school, friends, boys, sex, and her parents are authentic for her age. Yet I want to see more growth from Georgia as the story unfolds, as her character in my opinion feels static throughout.
The teenage years are important years in shaping moral and ethical considerations. Books worthy of the Printz Award should have a strong theme or message yet avoid the pitfall of being something only a parent would choose for you. In a coming-of-age story, there should be a journey of transformation and growth, however small, into the responsibilities of coming adulthood. I do not feel this book is successful in raising important dialogue within the reader of right and wrong, and in fact, as a mother I'm not altogether sure this is a book I want my 12 year old daughter to read, much less be inspired by. It is for these reasons that I cannot recommend this book for nomination.
Genre category: Coming of Age/Search for Identity; Humor
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