Girl, Unframed by Deb Caletti
Published by Simon Pulse on June 23, 2020
ISBN: 1534426973
Pages: 357
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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As if growing girls and teens do not face enough challenges Caletti has given readers a riveting story that goes unmatched.  Sidney returns to her mother’s house for the summer and finds that everything about herself, her environment and her mother has changed.  Mom is a Hollywood star who has a new somewhat shady boyfriend.  The character has left childhood behind and is struggling to find her way as a young woman; her internal desires and ultimate choices are not surprising.   This novel contains social and family problems that plague our world and may help some readers who suffer such situations.  The storyline is part mystery, part thriller and definitely a coming of age tale.  Family loyalty, abusive behavior, and sexual awareness are reoccurring issues that may not be totally resolved.

Relationships with Sidney’s best friend and a love interest add to this compelling story.  High School libraries and public library YA rooms need to have this book added to their shelves.  Fans of the author will be delighted with this novel.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME