Deep Girls

Gr 8 Up—In this collection of nine vignettes, each story delves into the life of a girl, her world as she sees it, and how the people in her life shape it. Stark glimpses into the way young women are perceived, the expectations placed upon them, and the effects of their choices make this book a fulfilling, emotional roller coaster. The tales are beautifully complex, from a girl expected to be perfect and hide her external flaws by dressing the right way and dating the right boy, to the envy of perceived freedom only to find that perception is not reality. These stories are deep and vibrant, allowing readers to find themselves engulfed in lives that may mirror their own. The everyday struggles that are conveyed within a few pages lead to a personal exploration of belonging and empathy. Each central character's voice and situation is unique, but the feel of the work carries throughout. An overarching theme of growth and parental perceptions interweaves through the lives of characters who feel wonderfully based in reality. This work would make an excellent addition to school classrooms as a way to explore tone and characterization and to encourage emotional growth and communication.