OUTSIDE BEAUTY

Newbery Honor winner Cynthia Kadohata creates another unique yet realistic family that explores the ties that bind. Helen Kimura, a sexpot adored by her daughters, collects men and their gifts but is unwilling to settle down because there are always "bigger fish to fry." When she's critically injured in an accident, her four daughters are separated; each goes to her own father. Sue Jean Kim narrates from second daughter Shelby's viewpoint. Kim makes each sister real. Shelby is the serious, quiet sister who is willing to move heaven and earth to reunite her family. Marilyn is the most like her mother. Lakey is torn between a desire to live with her father and her need for her sisters. Maddy has mastered the little sister skill of wheedling with a well-placed "Pleeaasee?" N.E.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]