Camo Girl

Camo Girl
By Kekla Magoon
Aladdin, 2011. 218 pgs. Young Adult

Ella is the only African American student at her school, and she has a skin problem that leaves her with light patches on her face, earning her the nickname of Camo Girl. Her only friend is "Zachariah," a homeless boy who shields himself from the harsh reality of their lives by living in a fantasy world. Ella goes along with him until Bailey, a new kid in town, who is also African American, seems to want to strike up a friendship with her. Torn between the lure of Bailey and a chance at popularity and her loyalty to Zachariah, Ella has to take a new look at her life.

Ella's dilemma is realistically portrayed, although I did find the style of the book to be somewhat simpler than many other YA books, and I think it would appeal more to younger teens than older ones.

AE