Izzy is different sort of girl in a family that includes a busy, perfect sister and a mom who aspires to greatness in politics. Dad believes in her and Grandma Bertie and Aunt Mildred provide some fun comedy to the family dynamics.
The story begins as Izzy heads to middle school and all the social upheaval it entails. She longs to belong, yet her combat boots, eclectic wardrobe and lack of interest in boys make her an outcast. What she really wants, though, is to be part of the elite rowing team, which is full of the most “popular” girls in school. She deserves to be there, but she gets in trouble with everyone, including her driven mom, who is running for mayor. After Izzy gets sent to the principal’s office yet again, her parents enroll her in a correspondence charm school, Mrs. Whipple’s Earn Your Charm School. Letters arrive with charms, tasks to be completed and the promise of a wonderful prize at the end. Things go pretty well for Izzy until she makes a huge mistake with one of the tasks. She needs to fix her mess and she has some new friends that will help. Is it enough to make it on the rowing team? And, will she finally be accepted in middle school?
Told in Izzy’s voice, the story is a wonderful piece of realistic fiction. The reader will empathize with Izzy as she navigates through school, family, charming disasters and new friendships. Recommended