Young people wanting a light read that does not lack for actual substance will enjoy this debut author's book about a girl who struggles to heal after a tragic experience. This may not seem like a "cute" story, but it actually kind of is - though of course said cuteness is appropriately tempered with real emotion and life lessons typical to teenagers. The story is told through misfit Danielle's journal entries and school essays, which are written with a sarcastic sense of self-awareness. Pick it up to pass the time on a lazy summer afternoon and enjoy Danielle's charming candor. 
 -- submitted for publication in the Galveston Daily Newspaper in July 2013