Mackall, Dandi Daley. Larger-Than-Life-Lara. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. 2016.

SUMMARY:
Laney Grafton has a difficult home life yet shines in her life. As a likeable person, Laney has friends in class but wonders why others protect their reputation against being with her. When Lara, an overweight new student in class, tries to befriend Laney, Laney finds herself considering the reversal in roles now. With bullying, jokes, tormenting and cruelty, Larger-Than-Life-Lara tackles feelings, thoughts, meanness and kindness through the eyes of middle-schoolers. Written in a manner which emphasizes, explains and practices the writing pattern of a story, this many faceted novel ponders many aspects of life…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Though a simple book written mainly for middle school-age children, Larger-Than-Life-Lara shares such an important message, it should be read by all. Undertaking the cruelty and effects of bullying, author Dandi Daley Mackall writes a poignant, sometimes humorous, always complex, well-written novel. With lessons to be learned on bullying yet also the academic writing style of stories, each chapter coincides with an actual story (beginning, setting, villain, details, rising action, climax). As a two-fold book with several themes, it was interesting, heartbreaking, informational and would be perfect as a study unit for class.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Larger-Than-Life-Lara from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review*