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Keeping It Real

By Paula Chase
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3.73 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Keeping It Real by Paula Chase is a young adult novel that delves into the complexities of teenage life. It follows the journey of Mina, a girl navigating the challenges of high school, friendships, and discovering her own identity. As Mina grapples with peer pressure and expectations, the story explores themes of authenticity, self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to stories of friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up. Set in the realm of young adult literature, it weaves a compelling narrative with relatable teen experiences, making it perfect for those who appreciate a mix of drama and heartwarming moments in a school setting.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

“Fun and juicy.”—New York Times

“A solid story of summer growth and exploration.”—Kirkus Reviews

Marigold Johnson is looking forward to a future full of family, friends, and fashion—but what will she do when it all explodes in her face? When she discovers that her entire life is a lie?

Keeping It Real by Paula Chase, the author of So Done, Dough Boys, and Turning Point, explores betrayal, conformity, and forgiveness—and what it means to be family—in this stand-alone novel perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Renée Watson.

Marigold Johnson can’t wait to attend a special program at her family’s business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she’s out of place compared to the three other trainees—and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight.

As tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara’s been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.

Paula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. Keeping It Real is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chase’s character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Keeping It Real by Paula Chase is well-received for its exploration of socio-economic and racial dynamics within a glamorous and somewhat fantastical setting. The story follows fourteen-year-old Marigold Johnson, an aspiring fashion designer who faces personal and familial challenges over a transformative summer at Style High. Reviews praise its handling of themes like class privilege, identity, and friendship, resonating with young readers navigating similar issues of growth and self-discovery.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780062965707

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 December 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Greenwillow Books

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 368

Collections

Children’s, Teenage and Educational Fiction Paula Chase Young Adult

About the Author

Paula Chase is the author of several books for teens. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a cheer-leading coach and in public relations for a tech company. She is the co-founder of The Brown Bookshelf, a site designed to increase awareness of African American voices writing for young readers. She is the author of So Done.

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