Revenge of the Girl With the Great Personality
on Goodreads (4,826)
What’s inside...
A hilarious new novel from Elizabeth Eulberg about taking the wall out of the wallflower so she can bloom. Don't mess with a girl with a great personality! Everybody loves Lexi. She's popular, smart, funny...but she's never been one of those girls, the pretty ones who get all the attention from guys. And on top of that, her seven-year-old sister, Mackenzie, is a terror in a tiara, and part of a pageant scene where she gets praised for her beauty (with the help of fake hair and tons of makeup). Lexi's sick of it. She's sick of being the girl who hears about kisses instead of getting them. She's sick of being ignored by her longtime crush, Logan. She's sick of being taken for granted by her pageant-obsessed mom. And she's sick of having all her family's money wasted on a phony pursuit of perfection. The time has come for Lexi to step out from the sidelines. Girls without great personalities aren't going to know what hit them. Because Lexi's going to play the beauty game - and she's in it to win it.
Age
11-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lexi
Logan
Benny
Mackenzie
Discussion points
What do you think Lexi learned about herself by the end of the story?
How do you think the definition of 'a great personality' evolves throughout the book?
What role do Lexi's friends and family play in her journey? How do their attitudes affect her?
Why is it important to be true to oneself, as shown through Lexi's experiences?
How can challenges at school or home shape our identity, like they did for Lexi?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a relaxed atmosphere for the discussion and express genuine interest in your child's thoughts.
Help your child relate to Lexi by comparing her experiences to situations they might face themselves.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions by asking how they would have reacted in a similar situation.
Highlight the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth, inspired by Lexi's journey in the book.
Discuss the consequences of societal and peer pressures, and explore healthy ways to respond to them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist, Lexi, learns to accept and appreciate her unique qualities beyond societal beauty standards.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing their own uniqueness and resisting pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals.
Example Lesson: The value of genuine friendships
Explanation: Lexi navigates her relationships and recognizes the importance of friends who support and accept her for who she is.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek out and cultivate relationships based on mutual respect and authenticity.
Example Lesson: The impact of family dynamics on self-esteem
Explanation: Lexi's experiences with her family, particularly her mother's obsession with beauty pageants, highlight how family can influence one's self-perception.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of open communication within the family and seeking support when family dynamics affect their self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Courage to make personal changes
Explanation: As Lexi decides to stop playing the role of 'the funny girl', she demonstrates courage in making changes for her own happiness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to make positive changes in their lives, advocating for their own happiness and well-being.