YA Realism and Romance: STORY OF A GIRL by Sara Zarr

Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

Zarr, Sara. 2008. STORY OF A GIRL. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 0-316-01454-0

Deanna is forever branded the school slut when her dad catches her having sex with her older brother’s friend Tommy. Though it is years after the incident, she is still overshadowed by this reputation. To make matters worse, her home life is in shambles, she ends up working at the same place as Tommy, has fallen for her unavailable friend, and alienates her one girl friend. Though she doesn’t get the escape she is looking for, she is able to come to terms with herself and she and her family begin a slow process of healing.  

This is a raw, emotional story which is distinct in YA realism because of the focus on parent relationships, especially the dad. The setting of summer in a small town for the high school kids contributes to the events of the plot, though marginally. Many problems are the focus of the plot, including underage sex, harmful rumors and reputation, loss of trust, family relations, dealing with the past, and young marriage as a result of pregnancy. The strong and dramatic plot entices readers, though sometimes uncomfortably, in an overall realistic way. The rich characterization of Deanna shows her inner and outer turmoil as though the reader is experiencing it with intense emotional details. “Characters are well drawn, especially Deanna, whose complicated, deeply felt emotions turn the story” (Krista Hutley, Booklist, Mar. 1, 2007).  Very relevant and worthwhile themes, including healing from trauma, learning from mistakes, and knowing oneself despite what others think, give reader much to think about. Zarr’s use of sensory detail draws the reader into the story, like her descriptions of the greasy, filthy pizza joint. Her writing gives insight into the life of a teen with many issues. “Zarr’s story ends on a hopeful but realistic note with everyone taking baby steps toward something approaching normalcy. This involving, touching first novel will resonate with those who have made mistakes and those who have not” (Kirkus, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2006 ).Though more likely to be read by girls, it is not an overly girly story. The grittiness and emotion in dealing with the problems and themes will appeal to many teen readers.

Classroom Connections

-        Write poetry using the emotions of Deanna as an inspiration

-        Create a soundtrack of songs that reflect the themes of the story

Best Books Lists:

Booklist Book Review Stars , Mar. 1, 2007 ; United States
Capitol Choices, 2008 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Choices, 2008 ; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Notable Books, 2008 ; International Reading Association; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, January 2007 ; Cahners; United States
Senior High Core Collection, Seventeenth Edition, 2007 ; The H. W. Wilson Co.; United States
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2008 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2008 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
Young Adults' Choices, 2009 ; International Reading Association; United States

Awards, Honors, Prizes:

      National Book Awards, 2007 Nominee Young People's Literature United States