AUDACIOUS by Gabrielle Prendergast. Custer, WA:  Orca Book Publishers, 2013.  327p.  978-1-4598-0530-9; hc., $19.95.    Gr.8 & up    YAF

Raphaelle is determined that her family’s move to a new home and school will be her opportunity  start over, staying out of trouble, a new beginning with a new attitude, and a new name for the her new self, Elle. Sadly for Elle, she is shunned by many o fthe students, and is hurt anew by the cruel comments and tittering when she is near the girls she hoped would be her friends. Only in art class does she shine and find acceptance, but even with her art she finds herself in trouble. Can Elle overcome the judgmental intolerance of many of her peers and come to accept herself? The pain Elle feels, her family problems and the atmosphere at school should resonate with readers; some who will know first-hand what she is feeling and perhaps some will look at fellow classmates with new eyes.Barbara Ward, Retired Children’s Librarian, Dickinson County Library