Story of a Girl

At 13, Deanna had a sexual experience with a 17 year-old boy, was labelled the "school slut", and struggled with her identity and how to shake off the town’s negative view. No matter how she tries to better herself, her reputation drags her down, causes self-doubt and frustration, but she finally finds her way when she understands that forgiveness can be a gift to oneself. Students in grades 8-10 may connect to her issues of being pressured to be sexual, escaping parental control, and finding one’s identity. Suitable for a read-aloud, lit circle, Writer’s Workshop, novel study, partner or independent reading, and health classes, it can launch discussion of consent, gender, and sexual stereotypes.