MIA THE MEEK
by Eileen Boggess
An insecure freshman sets out to improve her self-esteem in this hilarious tale of teen transformation. Determined to shed her geeky image along with her braces and glasses as she starts freshman year at St. Hilary’s, 14-year-old Mia Fullerton, formerly labeled “Mia the Meek,” boldly announces, “I’m changing myself into a new more outgoing me.” Immediately, the new Mia finds herself embroiled in one comic crisis after another. While having her mother as her English teacher proves dicey, it’s the least of Mia’s problems. Nominated by her best friend for class president, Mia surprisingly wins, beating the most popular girl and attracting the attentions of Jake, her secret crush. Mia’s meteoric makeover forces her to balance new friends with old and social events with academics. And then there’s Tim, Mia’s attractive new next-door-neighbor who enjoys provoking and competing with her, but is always around when she needs him. Mia takes chances, makes mistakes and navigates the slapstick challenges of her freshman year with spunk and good-humor. Borderline farce, but fun and funny. (Fiction. 10-14)