(The Lily Series) Here's Lily - Nancy Rue

Lily Robbins is a spirited sixth grader who's red hair, height like a giraffe and well bitten nails makes her feel awkward especially when the class bully Shad Shifferdecker likes to point out her seemingly many 'flaws'.

So when she receive's a compliment about her looks from the owner of a modelling agency, Lily becomes obsessed with becoming a model and replaces her rock and feather collection with fashion magazines and lip gloss. In her excitement of possibly starting classes (at the agency), her parents ask her a simple question - where is God in this?

As Lily becomes more poised and self-assured, she realizes that she can use her lessons to 'liberate' her other shy and insecure friends and especially enable them to stand up to Shad who mercilessly teases them too. Perhaps this is why God wants her do modelling? But just as she is looking forward to the fashion show - the culmination of weeks of prep - tragedy strikes that leaves her wondering how did she became so self-obsessed (thinking about her looks and fashion) did it mean that she wasn't a good person anymore? Inevitably, a valuable lesson is learnt about real beauty.

This is a great story. Rue's depiction of an eleven year old and their growing pains is spot on. It is so entertaining that I'm sure the young audience that it is aimed at won't realize the great lessons that Lily's trials show. Family, friendship, accepting that you're perfect just as you are, that the class bully isn't that scary once you have the confidence to walk away. Lily's family adds some lighthearted relief but also here, Rue shows that family life isn't perfect, that teasing your siblings can be hurtful and that focusing on work can sometimes make you forget how important spending time with your family is.

The book is easy to read and flows effortlessly from chapter to chapter and I'm sure any 6th grader will enjoy this book (and series). I did and I'm certainly a lot older - obviously my 'inner child' read it... A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishing as part of their Booksneeze program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.