Trauma Queen by Barbara Dee: Book Review & Giveaway!

Publisher: Aladdin
Author: Barbara Dee
Pub Date: April 2011Age Rage: 9 - 12

Publisher Summary:
Every tween girl knows what it's like to have a mom who can be a little embarrasing at times. But for Marigold, it goes way beyond embarrassing. Marigold's single mom is a performance artist, meaning she stages dramatic, wacky performances to express her personal beliefs. Things like wrapping herself in saran wrap for a piece on plastic surgery, or inviting people over in the middle of the night to videotape her sleeping. In fact, Marigold's mom's performances caused such a ruckus in their last town that the two of them, along with Marigold's little sister, have just had to move. Now Marigold's starting a new school, missing her best friend like crazy, and trying to fit in all over again in the shadow of a mom who's famous for all the wrong reasons. As if that's not bad enough, Marigold's mom takes on a new job--teaching drama at Marigold's school! Now all the kids know instantly just how weird her mom is, and Marigold's worried she'll never be able to have a friendship that can survive her mother.

My Thoughts:
"I'm standing outside homeroom in yellow flannel monkey pajamas." This is the first sentence of the book, and no, the MC is not having one of those dreams where you forget to dress before leaving the house. As usual, this thirteen-year-old character, Marigold, finds herself in an embarrassing situation because of her mom.

Most of us know how difficult life can be as a teen. Like parents divorcing, moving aways from friends you've known your whole life, making new friends or  being the new kid in school. This story touches on all of that. And more. And no, it's not overwhelming or hard to believe. Barbara Dee found a way to make all of this work together in a funny, fresh, and lighthearted read, with very realistic characters.

I might not be a teen anymore (though I don't always act like it!) but I resonated with this character and so many times I found myself embarrassed for her! I couldn't wait to see how things turned out in the end and read this book in one sitting. And sacraficing sleep was well worth it!

I could go on and on about this book, about how I admire Barbara Dee's writing style, character depth, and voice. Or about the laugh out loud moments or when I almost teared up. But instead, I'll just give away a copy of Trauma Queen and let you read it for yourself.

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