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A review by barbn
Define "Normal" by Julie Anne Peters
3.0
Antonia and Jazz are part of dramatically different social circles. Antonia is a "priss" - she is friends with her teachers, gets outstanding grades, and is in the math club. Jazz is a "punk" - she has fake tattoos, dresses in black, and intimidates her classmates. Neither girl knows quite what to expect when they are must work together for 15 hours of peer-counseling.
Slowly, Antonia and Jazz learn that their ideas about each other were not correct. Although Jazz appears tough, she is actually a very talented classically trained pianist with wealthy, traditional parents who want nothing more than for Jazz to conform. Antionia is the primary care-giver in her family, taking care of her two younger brothers while her mother suffers from crippling depression.
Define "Normal" will appeal to middle school students, especially girls, because of its realistic characters and themes. There is not any objectionable content or language. At times, Antonia and Jazz's situation felt a little too contrived and predictable, but I felt myself liking the characters and really wanting to know whether they would become / remain friends and overcome their family struggles.
Slowly, Antonia and Jazz learn that their ideas about each other were not correct. Although Jazz appears tough, she is actually a very talented classically trained pianist with wealthy, traditional parents who want nothing more than for Jazz to conform. Antionia is the primary care-giver in her family, taking care of her two younger brothers while her mother suffers from crippling depression.
Define "Normal" will appeal to middle school students, especially girls, because of its realistic characters and themes. There is not any objectionable content or language. At times, Antonia and Jazz's situation felt a little too contrived and predictable, but I felt myself liking the characters and really wanting to know whether they would become / remain friends and overcome their family struggles.