I Was a Teenage Fairy

Block, Francesca Lia. (1998). I was a teenage fairy. New York: Joanna Cotler Books.

Reading level: Grades 9-12

Summary:
Barbie's mom pressures her into modeling at a young age. On one of the photo shoots, the photographer sexually abuses Barbie. Soon after this, Barbie finds Mab in her back yard. Mab is a small, feisty fairy who is unimpressed with Barbie's passive attitude toward life. As Barbie grows up, she begins to take her life into her own hands, and begins to work towards her own dreams.

Comments:
This book had a pretty high degree of sophistication. Events are not usually described in exact detail; readers must figure some things out on their own. You had to actually think while reading the book (unlike in my previous two entries). There are also abstract passages that require some interpretation. Block does a good job of making Mab an ambiguous character. She could be a real fairy, or she could be Barbie's coping mechanism. I also enjoyed the ending, when Barbie finally gains some control over her life, and actively pursues her goals. I think this book would be an excellent read for teens going through the same experience as Barbie.

Rating: 4/5