Pretty

Praise

“Sayre once again proves that he understands the complexity of growing up. His confident story tackles race, sexuality, wealth, beauty, and faith as he revisits the characters and Brooklyn location of his first novel. This will encourage readers to press in to the difficult questions and look for the truth beneath. Coming-of-age never looked so beautiful.” – Kirkus Reviews, *Starred Review

“Sophie’s voice is an important one; she revels in her uniqueness but is still learning to be comfortable in her own skin. Her gradual realization that being ‘beautiful’ is so much more important than being ‘pretty’ is a sentiment that all teens need to hear. Students who might not yet be ready for Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give will find an equally compelling narrator and story in Pretty.” – VOYA Reviews

“Sayre’s engrossing second novel takes place in the same Brooklyn neighborhood as his debut, with Davis, Husky’s protagonist, playing a supporting role, along with their eclectic friends . . .  It’s a powerful story of growth and change, brimming with honesty and hope.”
(Publishers Weekly)

“Even though Sophie immediately resents her Auntie’s intervention in her life, she eventually learns to trust her, and discovers that learning about one’s heritage through a loving family member can make you feel ‘beautiful’ inside. The characters are well-developed, and although the emotions relate to sensitive subjects, many students will be able to relate. This is a well-written story and readers will not be disappointed.” (School and Library Connection)