Mirror Image (Orca Currents)

Plot

From BooklistSable was only three when her father was killed trying to escape the war in Bosnia and she and her mother fled to Canada. Mom is now happily remarried, but angry, nervous Sable, who wears only black, is a loner; she hasn't had a friend for years. When her ninth-grade teacher pairs her with the class bimbo, gorgeous, popular Lacey, for an art project, both girls are appalled. Slowly, however, they get close; Lacey teaches Sable about makeovers (and more), and Sable helps Lacey cope with dark secrets about her home life. The lessons are contrived, but the dialogue is fast and funny, and so is Sable's wry, honest first-person narrative. Part of the Currents fiction series designed for middle-grade reluctant readers, this novel is an enjoyable glance at what's beneath stereotypical images of popularity and failure. Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedProduct DescriptionSable wears only black and has always felt that doom is near. Lacey wears pink and seeks beauty everywhere. A sadistic art teacher pairs Sable and Lacey together for their final project. The girls have to get to know one another and select a suitable poem for the back of each other's decorative mirror. Sable is less than thrilled at having to spend time with Lacey, who she believes to be nothing more than a brainless doll. As the project progresses, and Sable gets past her resentment, she learns some surprising truths about who Lacey really is. All of Sable's images begin to change, including the one she holds of herself.Review"a character-driven gem that is contemporary without being trendy or superficial...a sophisticated insightful novel that appeals to youthful idealism..a work of art. Highly recommended." (CM Magazine 2007-02-01)"...a story with the potential to empower anyone who has doubts about their identity and their place in the world. Highly recommended." (Resource Links 2007-04-01)"...[will] work well for reluctant readers and also for reading aloud and class discussion activities." (Teensreadtoo.com 2007-03-01)'an enjoyable glance at what's beneath stereotypical images of popularity and failure...fast and funny." (Booklist 2007-03-01)About the AuthorK.L. Denman has written many novels for youth, including the Orca Currents titles Destination Human and Agent Angus. She lives in Delta, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.kldenman.com.Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.I've never talked to Lacey because, clearly, it would be a waste of breath. I don't even know why people like her were born. What is she good for? Proof that evolution can go backward? Sure, she's pretty, but that's about it. Dolls are pretty too, and I got bored with them years ago. Meh. I hardly ever played with them even when I was little. Why would I bother with a brainless doll now?Sadly these things can be forced on us.