Deenie

by Judy Blume

An old favorite!

Seventh grader Deenie Fenner is beautiful, and her mother wants her to be a model. All Deenie wants is to be a cheerleader and to capture the attention of eighth grader Buddy Brader.

The plans of both mother and daughter are derailed when Deenie is diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Treatment includes the Milwaukee brace, which is uncomfortable and unsightly.

Mrs. Fenner is devastated, and Deenie is just trying to keep it together in front of her friends and family. How can Deenie, the family beauty, cope with her newly diminished looks? All of a sudden, she is forced to deal with people referring to her “disability.”

Of course, Deenie finds strength in her family and friends. Though dated, this is a good look at an adolescent condition not often discussed in young adult literature.

 

8/21/13