Deenie

Being a teenager can be tricky. Especially when you have a VERY pushy mum. From the author of Are You There God? It''s Me, Margaret, Judy Blume''s classic novel Deenie is about unrealistic beauty standards and the pressure to look perfect.

I hate it when my mother brags about me and my sister. "Deenie''s the beauty and Helen''s the brain."

Mrs Fenner has very fixed ambitions for her daughters. Deenie is thirteen years old and gorgeous. Her mother wants her to be a model â" but Deenie''s not so sure.

So when she''s diagnosed with scoliosis â" curvature of the spine â" Deenie''s almost relieved. No more traipsing round modelling agencies, no more living up to her mother''s expectations.

But she has to wear an ugly, uncomfortable back brace for the next four years. And she''s convinced that it will put an end to normal teenage life â" including her blossoming relationship with Buddy Brader . . .