Release: February 23rd, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Source: Amazon
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N.
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The co-author of Watch Us Rise pens a novel in verse about all the good and bad that comes with middle school, growing up girl, and the strength of family that gets you through it.
Beatrice Miller may have her granny’s name. But she adores her Mamaw and her mom, who give her every bit of wisdom and love they have. But the summer before seventh grade, Bea wants more than she has. She aches for what she can’t have and wonders what the future will bring.
This novel in verse follows Beatrice through the ups and downs of friendships, puberty, and identity as she asks: Who am I? Who will I become? And will my outside ever match the way I feel on the inside?
A gorgeous, inter-generational story of Southern women and a girl’s path blossoming into her sense of self, Reckless, Glorious, Girl explores the important questions we all ask as we race toward growing up.
About the Author:
Ellen Hagan is a writer, performer, and educator. She is the co-author of Renée Watson of Watch Us Rise. Her poetry collections include Blooming Fiascoes, Hemisphere, and Crowned.
Besides, her work can be found in ESPN Magazine. She Walks in Beauty and Southern Sin. Ellen is the Director of the Poetry & Theatre Departments at the DreamYard Project and directs their International Poetry Exchange Program with Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. She co-leads the Alice Hoffman Young Writer’s Retreat at Adelphi University.
Raised in Kentucky, she now lives in New York City with her family.
Reckless, Glorious, Girl Review:
“Reckless, Glorious, Girl” is a charming middle-grade novel about growing up in a low income and fitting in.
Firstly, I loved the author’s writing style. She tells the story in poetic verse, which makes the book stand out. Moreover, she writes the story intimately, making you feel like you are eating Beatrice’s diary entries. I also loved the way she describes the beautiful countryside of Kentucky.
The storyline and the characters are interesting too. It is never easy fitting in an environment when you feel out of place. Nevertheless, Beatrice has big goals to be the best in school this year with popularity and style. However, she makes a fool of herself on the very first day. I thought the author depicted Beatrice’s challenges nicely. The urge she feels when she wants to fit in and try to be noticed, even if it just to buy clothes that are not from goodwill. Moreover, it was interesting to see how far she would fit in with the popular crowd towards the end.
The only criticism I have in the story is that nothing much happens in the first few chapters. Initially, the plot focuses on Beatrice spending time with her family. However, I thought it picked up once Beatrice began school. Beatrice’s friends Stacey Ann and Mariella also add nicely to the story. Similarly, I adored Meemaw’s character and the bond they shared.
Overall, “Reckless, Glorious, Girl” is a beautiful read if you are in the mood for realistic middle-grade fiction.
