BOOK REVIEW FOR YOUNGER TEENS: Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader

Since I am spotlighting local authors, I’ll add squeeze in another category—a middle-grade book, dealing with girls’ friendships/relationships.

Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader is a fun foray into contemporary tween culture as nice girl Sachi and mean girl Marina sign up for a video class at school, each with her own secret agenda. The author does a great job of getting into the heads of each of the girls. It’s particularly thoughtful in the way it explores what motivates a "mean" girl. Marina’s behavior is not excused or judged, but over the course of the book Marina gains more insight into her own conduct and the consequences of her actions. The situations and characters feel authentic, and I really cared about what would happen. It's a great read for middle grade girls, but older teens will also recognize the conflicts and appreciate the issues that are raised.