2.5 Stars rounded up to 3

Well I ended up enjoying this body positive YA novel about friendships, first love and being happy with who you are.

I am glad I persevered as it was touch and go in the first few chapters as I didn't think I was going to like the main character. However, as I got to know her and could relate to all her insecurities and poor self image I warmed to her. There's probably a bit too much teen drama and it's quite predictable so go in with the right expectations.

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Let's face it...although most media sources would have you believe that everyone is or needs to be a size 5...most aren't. You know what though? That's okay. We're all meant to be different, and the fact that she's a size 4 and that person over there is a size 18 and you hiding in the shadows is a 26...all of that is just numbers. The beauty of YOU is in not simply your exterior, but your thoughts, actions, and confidence. Your real beauty may not be measured by conventional standards, but those that choose to measure it and find it not lacking in the least are the ones worth knowing, the ones worth keeping, the ones we call home.

That's the power of this book. Sure, it's Contemporary YA Lit, but it's got a wider net appeal than simply that audience. Who couldn't use a reminder that they ARE all that, plus or minus the bag of chips? I mean, Maisie Martin is definitely the girl to know, as are her new friends (Leila and the crew...so cool!), old annoyances (Beamer...*snicker*), and unexpectedly, her family (yeah, SO didn't think I'd say that especially with the mother and sister issues, but sometimes things aren't what they seem!). I laughed when she was trying to ward off Beamer's less than subtle advances (well, less than subtle to readers, not so much the heart stricken Maise). I cringed when I saw exactly what was coming with the ill-fated carnival visit. I was prepared to do battle when her crush was being such an a**hat, and her mother kept running her down! Seriously, two words for you....SUPPORT SYSTEM!

In the end, I was so glad to be along for the ride, crazy as it was at times, and ecstatic to see Maisie get what was really coming to her. It dealt with issues that today's teens (and adults!) deal with all the time, but in a real manner. It didn't gloss over the tough parts, or let things slide on a technicality either. It held everyone accountable and put their feet to the fire...even the somewhat favored big sister, before and after the big reveal! It's not a perfect story, but it's perfectly suited to spread the word that you, yourself are perfect just the way you are.


**copy received for review; opinions are my own ( )

Maisie takes her best friend Anna up the coast for the usual Summer Holiday and keeps a diary of what happens. ( )