Just Another Girl

Just Another Girl
By Melody Carlson
Revell, 2009. 221 pgs. Young Adult

Sixteen-year-old Aster wishes she could have a life just any other girl. However, as the main caretaker for her mentally-disabled sister Lily, Aster's life is anything but normal. Aster is desperate to get some freedom, but her older sister is no help, her mother works long hours, and her father hasn't been part of the picture for years. When cool, good-looking Owen comes along--and actually doesn't seem too freaked out at Aster's situation--Aster thinks he may be her ticked to normality. However, Aster's Christian beliefs and Owen's reputation might be incompatible.

This book is a clean-read, and Aster's struggle to care for her sister but also have some independence will evoke sympathy from readers.

AE