SHINE, MY AMAZING GIRL

Eight young girls weather the many struggles of elementary school in Meyer’s chapter book.

This brief and upbeat story follows eight schoolgirls navigating a variety of relatable issues for their age group, including cultivating individuality, following dreams, and combating bullying. When Caroline’s brother, Jack, injures himself in a skateboarding accident, Caroline realizes that everyone she usually hangs out with are her brother’s friends—not hers. Camila is a Mexican-American girl who loves kids so much she dreams of being a teacher; when her next-door neighbors ask her to babysit their toddler, Riley, she agrees, eager for practice. Ember confronts body image issues by donating to and connecting with a classmate whose home was lost in a fire. Jasmine is a Black girl who loves to write and is urged by her teacher to enter a writing competition. Natalie’s bid for class president at her elementary school ends up painting a target on her back for mean girl Megan. The last three chapters hit similar beats as Zara strikes a balance between chasing her dreams of becoming a basketball player and making time for schoolwork and friends, Chloe gathers the courage to speak up when she witnesses someone being mean to a friend, and Ana gives reluctant bully Amelia a chance to redeem herself (“There’s always a way to make things better”). Overall, Meyer’s clear writing pairs well with the cute black-and-white illustrations by Hrynenko interspersed throughout the text. The summary of each section’s core message at the end of each chapter is a helpful tool for fledgling readers who might not have strong analytical skills yet. Some of the stories are stronger than others, but they all feel of a piece, with some characters even appearing in other characters’ chapters.

A positive if formulaic volume of lessons and affirmations for young readers.