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CAMO GIRL

Camo Girl
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Magoon
Author's First Name: 
Kekla
Publisher: 
Aladdin
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Ella and Zachary have always been friends and have always been outsiders: Ella because of her blotchy skin and Z because he was considered strange. Now, they are sixth-graders and Ella longs for more friends and a normal middle school experience. When a new student comes to school, African-American like Ella, she wonders if he will join the group that keeps them out. But Bailey, with his easy way of fitting in reaches out to Ella, causing Zachariah to sink further into depression. Well written, if quiet, this does a good job portraying fragile kids in fragile families, coping with their problems as well as the normal coming of age issues. A strong follow-up to Magoon's debut novel, a CSK/Steptoe winner. Ten to Fourteen. Deborah Taylor

Ostracized and bullied, Ella remains loyal to her best friend Z, another outcast. Will she abandon him to his fantasy world when newcomer Bailey—the only other African American student in middle school—arrives? 

Comments

Meeting Notes May

by ladamson - 05/24/2011 - 12:31pm
Meeting Notes May 20
 
Positive Comments:
  • The well-drawn and quiet portrayal of the protagonist shows how Ella can feel responsible for her friend, Zachary, because he has no hope of having any other friends.
  • The various middle school groups are well-depicted.
  • What fragile families must endure is accurate.
  • Although the bullying is not overly obtrusive, it shows that students may not be able to assess who will help them.
  • Ella seems to deny that Zach is as badly disturbed as he is and that he needs professional help.
  • The family’s strong women, even though they are in pain, are appealing.
  • That people who can help Zachary finally take him is hopeful since his mother is incapable of caring for him at all.
Observations:
  • An African-American protagonist is somewhat unusual, but more importantly, what the family is going through and the various issues of children in general are universals.
Concerns:
  • By merely removing Zach from the situation, the author seems to be creating an unbelievable resolution. In real life, Zach probably would not obtain the help that he needs.

Meeting Notes for April 15

by ladamson - 04/21/2011 - 12:51pm
Meeting Notes for April 15
  • Needs more readers.