About Face

by June Rae Wood

Thirteen-year-old Glory thinks her life in a small Missouri town is boring. When a carnival comes to town and she meets Marvalene, Glory thinks Marvalene has the most exciting life of anyone she's ever met. But Marvalene is tired of carnival life, and longs to live in a house without wheels. Both girls need a friend, but when they uncover a secret from the past, their friendship may be doomed.

Genres: Childrens, Young Adult

Paperback

First published September 13, 1999

About the author

June Rae Wood, the author of the famous The Man WHo Loved Clowns , was born in 1946 in Sedalia, Missouri . "My brother Richard was born [in 1948] with Down's syndrome and a heart defect," author June Rae Wood wrote in the Sedalia Democrat in 1995. "The doctor said he wouldn't live, and even if he did, he would never walk or talk. He advised my parents to send Richard to die in an institution, rather than take him home and let the family get attached to him." Wood, the second of what would eventually be eight children, was only two years old when her parents brought Richard, their third child, home from the hospital. Although her parents gave all their children special attention, Richard, whom Wood's mother called her little "Dickey-bird," was doted on and protected by all the family members. This was not just because he was handicapped, but also because Richard was very special to them all. He would eventually become the subject of Wood's award-winning first book, The Man Who Loved Clowns.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book that I've ever loved. Second grade Rachel is so happy right now

[Jill]

Two girls from very different backgrounds desperately need acceptance and friendship. They find that They find that with each other each girl learns that they are where they should be. Marvalene also teaches Glory that who she is is not defined by the port-wine birthmark on her face.

[Hayley Shows · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was meant for a younger reader but it showed up in my apartment mysteriously and I read it. Ended up being a pretty ok book.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selfconscious and timid Glory and confident Marvalene have a good friendship going. Trouble and lessons learned. Good dialogue.