Children's Book Council

I've never read a story with a character that accurately expressed my shame and jealousy, but also more importantly, my same sense of pride in myself, my love for my dad and my neighborhood friends, and my knowledge that I was a strong person, that I knew I had depth, character, and worth, that I felt like I was a gem even if on the outside it seemed like I was a stain." Over the years, I've read books by very successful and famous adult authors who kind of cannibalized the stories of the students they taught or encountered, filtering them through middle-class fears and ideas of decency and inspiration.

And these books are always the approved ones that win Children's Book Council awards.

But when you hear from a real teenager, this is what she sounds like.

After hearing from Paige, I felt proud of my books, proud that I once saw the world with such clarity and conviction, and relieved to know that my not so kind thoughts on the page didn't reflect on the reality of what I did every day with my siblings, parents, and work.