The Only Girl in School

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

Bess finds herself the only girl in her small island school after her best friend, Claire, moves away. This mid level elementary novel shows how Bess deals with suddenly becoming the "different" student at her school and all that entails including bullying, loneliness, and having to find her way in a new and difficult situation. The story is told through a series of letters that Bess sends to her friend Claire documenting her frustrating 5th grade year. Bess is a strong female character who is determined to outsmart the boys who are tormenting her, including her former close friend Henry, the class bully Webby, and the rather nerdy Gilbert who has a crush on her. Bess brings her own strengths to the story by using her artistic and sports abilities to help her cope with her problems. There are some interesting twists in the story including a ghost and other mysteries. What seems lacking is any strong adult figure to help Bess adjust to her difficult year. The simple black and white illustrations complement the story by reflecting the drawings that Bess herself draws on her Clubhouse wall. This is a story about transitions and friendship that many elementary (3-5) students could connect with despite the unusual setting and situation that Bess finds herself in.

Overall Book Score: good