Girl in Pieces

Gr 10 Up—The story begins with 17-year-old Charlie in a mental health facility that specializes in the treatment of girls who have self-injury disorders. When Charlie is released prematurely because of a lack of insurance coverage, she must find her own way in a world she is unprepared to deal with. Readers follow her as she struggles to meet the challenges of survival and as she follows the path of least resistance. As her story unfolds, teens will discover that a lot of horrible things have happened to Charlie, including losing her best friend, father, and mother—all in different ways. She is a cutter, but she's also a lot of other things, too: artist, survivor, scammer, and waif. She's in such a deep, dark place, and it seems impossible she'll ever get out of it. This realistic fiction title is heartbreaking and thick with emotion, and the characters are fully formed and realistic. The book is written in short chapters and can feel a little choppy at times, but the narrative still captivates. It will keep young adults engaged and rooting for the main character throughout.