Nice Girls Endure

Chelsea Duvay is so many things. She’s an avid musical lover, she’s a gifted singer, and she has the most perfect, beautiful feet. But no one ever notices that. All they notice is Chelsea’s weight. Daily, Chelsea endures endless comments about her appearance from well-meaning adults and cruel classmates. So she keeps to herself and just tries to make it through. Don’t make waves. Don’t draw attention. That’s how life is for Chelsea—until a special class project pushes the energetic and incessantly social Melody into Chelsea’s world. As their unlikely friendship grows, Chelsea emerges from her isolated existence, and she begins to find the confidence to enjoy life. But bullies are bullies, and they remain as vicious as ever. One terrible encounter threatens to destroy everything Chelsea has worked so hard to achieve. Readers will be captivated by Chelsea’s journey as she discovers the courage to declare her own beauty and self-worth, no matter what others might think. A must-read for anyone who loves to explore the personal but powerful territory of everyday life.
For ages 14+.
About the Author: Chris Struyk-Bonn is originally a Midwesterner from a small town in Iowa. Currently, she works in alternative education at a small charter school that houses its curriculum primarily online. She works with many students whohave found traditional schooling to be a poor fit for them for a variety of reasons. She often finds inspiration for her stories through her students’ experiences. Struyk-Bonn’s first novel, WHISPER, was released in 2014 and won praise from critics in CM Magazine, Kirkus, School Library Journal and more.