Everything That Makes You

Gr 9 Up—As a child, Fiona Doyle was in a horrible accident that left part of her face permanently scarred. Now in high school, she is an excellent student, has a family who loves her, enjoys talking to her best friend, Lucy, and has a crush on Trent McKinnon. In alternating chapters, readers meet Fi Doyle, the imaginary girl who escaped that horrible childhood accident. Now in high school, Fi is the best lacrosse player, has a family who loves her, and enjoys talking to her best friend, Trent McKinnon. In both versions of this story, Fiona and Fi successfully navigate through school, fall in love, go to college, and struggle with the conflict. As expected, Fi's life goes down a different path than Fiona's, but readers will see that theyhave much in common after all. McStay entertainingly weaves similar characters and circumstances throughout their worlds. It is interesting to see how each girl interacts with these people and reacts to her environment. The author consistently builds the plot without breaking the pace of the narrative. The story line flows from chapter to chapter even though there are two different points of view. The protagonists are believable and the language is appropriate. McStay's debut explores the theme of choices and how those choices become the framework for the person who makes them.—Jeni Tahaney, Duncanville High School Library, TX