I am a huge fan of Ms. Schroeder. The first book I read by her, The Day Before was just absolutely amazing, and this one is no different. Even though this is not the typical writing Ms. Schroeder does (she usually writes the entire story in verse), I was utterly blown away. There is some poetry mixed in, but it is only in Rae's poetry diary/submissions to the school paper. The writing is so effortless and raw that it makes you feel like you're reading someone's diary. 
 I loved Rae. She is one of the strongest, best heroine's I have read in a while. It isn't just that she keeps all her emotions bottled up, and is somehow able to continue on with her life like nothing is wrong, but it's that she is able to still be happy at the end of the day with her flowers, and the new people she meets. She is able to make a stand at her school against adversity. I think one of the best things about Rae was that I could connect with her on some levels. This book shows that there's always a silver lining, and that while things might not be the greatest in you life, you can still carry on because you never know who you might meet that day. I also loved Rae's expression through her poetry. I think its great when a person has a creative outlet to express their feelings so that they don't stay all bottled up. I even started writing some poetry after reading this book. 
 The simple, raw nature of this book is what makes it a worthwhile read. I highly recommend this book because it makes you realize that it's okay to let people in to help you once in awhile, and that instead of making fun of people, we should try to help each other. Ms. Schroeder has a unique talent to make a story so captivating and emotional that you will want to read it over and over again. Get this book now :)