Review
Praise for Worthy:"Cooner's book addresses real issues in teens' lives -- Internet culture, online apps, communication, dating -- in a way that is relatable. Themes of self-esteem and online bullying are woven throughout, but Linden's growth into a more confident young woman demonstrates the value of not judging yourself by other people's standards. This title will have wide appeal; it is timely and easy to read." -- VOYA"This novel is an enjoyable read with pertinent messages for adolescents about modern dating culture and social media." -- School Library Journal"A girl struggling to find her own voice learns how to speak like herself." -- Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Can't Look Away:"Sad, wise, and true . . . unforgettable." -- Melissa de la Cruz, New York Times bestselling author of Blue Bloods and Witches of East End"From start to finish, I couldn't look away from Donna Cooner's honest, at times heartbreaking, yet hopeful story about the bonds of sisterhood and the challenges of starting over." -- Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Better Off Friends"Cooner explores the dark side of popularity . . . insightful and absorbing." -- Kirkus Reviews"Poignant [and] authentic." -- School Library JournalPraise for Skinny:"Resounding . . . with wit, compassion, and courage, Skinny will speak to everyone who has ever felt invisible or unlovable." -- Kathi Appelt, New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Newbery Honor"The best -- and truest -- depiction of the joys and pangs of transformation I've ever read. Deeply moving, totally addictive, utterly fabulous." -- New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle"Compelling." -- Kirkus Reviews"At a time when many teens are struggling with personal obesity, overweight, and the definition of beauty, public and school libraries should not hesitate to include this . . . in their collection." -- VOYA
About the Author
Donna Cooner is the acclaimed author of Skinny, Can't Look Away, Worthy, Screenshot, and Fake. A Texas native and graduate of Texas A&M University, Donna currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, with her husband, a cat named Stu, and two chocolate Labradors, Roxanne and Murphy. Follow @donnacooner on Twitter or visit her online at donnacooner.com.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out. Weird. It's a text without a name or number attached.How can you do that? It that even possible?The message says, I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU, SKYE, AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS IT. I'm confused. Normally, I would just delete something like this, but they know my name. It's not some random spam, but it doesn't look like any text I've ever seen before. Maybe it's the interview committee, although it seems like a really strange way to contact me. Another text pops up on my screen.THIS IS A TEST. NOT HARD. ARE YOU READY?A test? Now my nerves are starting to kick in. I hit reply and write back.ME: WHO IS THIS? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?The message comes back immediately. LOOK AT THE PICTURE.There is an attachment and I click on it, waiting for it to download. At first I don't even recognize myself. Everything about this is wrong. It's a screenshot. Of me. Only different than any me anyone has ever seen before. It's from the video of Kylie's birthday party, taken out of context and only one frame frozen onto the tiny screen of my phone. It was obviously chosen for maximum shock value -- picked at the exact moment to put me in the worst possible light. It's a full body shot -- the nightie slipping down off one shoulder, leaving it bare, and me leaning in to kiss the air with eyes half closed. My hair is big. My lips are full and pouty. But that's not the part of the picture I focus on. All I can see is my thick thighs, my round stomach and my flabby arms. This is the me I've done everything in my life to hide.
