(Goodreads, 2021)
(Goodreads, 2021)
Edgar Award Nominee for Best Young Adult (2022)
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fiction (2021)
(Goodreads, 2021)
Growing up, Nora O’Malley didn't have a "normal" mother. Instead Nora was taught how to be an escape artist, a conman, and so much more. While Nora grew up learning all of these skills, she put them in the past to live a normal teenage life....that is until went to a bank that was being robbed. This high suspense novel will keep you on your toes as Nora gets to explore everything her mother taught her. (Goodreads, 2021)
Author Tess Sharpe lives in California. She enjoys spending time with her many dogs and helping rehome the feral cats around her ranch. She live in the mountain of California and helps co-edit a feminist anthology about witches. (About, n.d.).
This is not the type of book that I would typically pick up, but it was a lesson on going outside of my comfort zone. The Girls I've Been by Tess Shape is a great combination between suspense and comedy. It has a love triangle that helps readers understand all the feelings and emotions that go into relationships. Author Tess does a great job at keeping the pace of the book going as to keep readers involved and reading.
Creating a partnership with a local beauty shop or cometic shop, ask for a professional to bring wigs for teens to try on. Safety protocols for keeping scalps safe from lice will need to be considered. This activity will have teens feeling like they are in disguise just like Nora from The Girls I've Been. They can describe how the wig makes them feel and the person they become while in the wig. This is a great opportunity for the library to reach out and make non traditional partnerships within the community.
Your significant other, the girl he just saw you kiss, and yourself all walk into a bank to deposit money you just raised for a fundraiser... Just to have it be robbed. AWKWARD! The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe tells a story about Nora and how she not only handles this situation, but show her many hidden talents along the way.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
This title does include LGBTQ representation. Parents may not be supportive of this type of book and therefore information professionals should be prepared to have discussion about making the library a safe place for everyone.
This book is new and something that was referred to my by a teen. It is important to not only give recommendation to patrons while working at library but also accept recommendations to show your support and willingness to stay involved with the community you work with.
About. Tess Sharpe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tess-sharpe.com/about/
Goodreads. (2021, January 26). The girls I've been by Tess Sharpe. Goodreads. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49471138-the-girls-i-ve-been