Out of Order

January 1, 2008
Starting high school after moving from Ontario to Victoria, Sophie hopes that she will find acceptance with her newly slim body. She is nearly overwhelmed by the memories of the torments she faced being an overweight girl at her old school, abuse that led her close to developing an eating disorder. Soon Sophie forms a close friendship with Zelia, who encourages Sophie to join her in drinking, smoking, and other teen vices. Then, Zelia attempts suicide, and Sophie realizes that her friends recklessness masks deep insecurities. Sophie finds solace through her interest in horses and in her friendship with fellow student Max, a young woman who is comfortable with her gay identity and wise beyond her years. Many YA novels have explored the relationship between a teen and an out-of-control friend. What sets this debut apart is the strong first-person narration and the full, rich development of even minor characters.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)