“In A Closer Look, author Karen DelleCava gives readers a feisty character who deals with family secrets, boyfriend complications, a cruel teammate--and her own body turning against her. Readers will be rooting for Cassie all along, and will want to cheer for the way she proves that losing your hair doesn’t have to mean losing your spirit.”
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Multiple award-winning author of middle grade and young adult fiction
“Cassie is as real and alive as the girl at the next desk in homeroom, and teens will empathize with her struggle with shame and self-image. A Closer Look is a sensitive and honest novel full of authentic details that is sure to resonate with readers.”
Erika Tamar
Author of Fair Game, ALA Best Book for Young Adults and
NY Public Library's Books for the Teen Age
"A Closer Look is heart-wrenching and funny. Cassie's spirit and voice will keep readers intrigued, and athletes especially will identify with her grit."
Rich Wallace
Author of Wrestling Sturbridge, ALA Top 10 Book for Young Adults
and Playing Without a Ball, ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Reviews
"There are a lot of great YA's out there, but it has been a long time since I read one as hard-hitting and in-your-face as A Closer Look...."
"One of the most amazing things about A Closer Look is that I highly recommended it to people around me even before I finished the last page. This will be a great story for mothers to read with their daughters, or for anyone to enjoy on their own. Ms. DelleCava's book should make it to Oprah’s reading list because after I was done reading it, I was convinced that it has the ability to change lives."
Pennsylvania School Librarians Association 2011 Top 40 Title
"Fourteen-year-old Cassie discovers that she has alopecia areata, a condition that causes one’s hair to fall out. While not life- threatening, it is nevertheless devastating for a young girl who has just started high school, where peer acceptance is critical. It doesn’t help matters to have a former teen model mom who places a high value on appearance, but it does help to have a totally loyal and supportive best friend. Readers will be in Cassie’s corner as she strives to keep her spirit and her sense of self as she copes with this unusual problem."
Realistic Fiction grades 7-10
Patricia Fischer, Retired Librarian
