Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Lauren

North of Beautiful is a realistic fiction novel about Terra Rose Cooper. Terra is drop-dead gorgeous except for a port-wine birthmark on her cheek. She's always been hiding behind a thick layer of makeup, both literally and fugitively. Her father has always been in control and know that Terra's high school career is coming to an end, he wants to choose what college she'll go to and everything, not letting her want to go where she really wants.

While she and her mom drive back from a laser-operation to rid her of her birthmark, Terra nearly runs over a Chinese Goth boy about her age in a parking lot. When she finds out he's okay, and she and her mom meet Jacob's adopted family, they mesh in friendship. Jacob is the first person that Terra ever met who seems okay with the rest of the world. He's gone through a lot of troubles in his life, parents' divorce, being adopted, and having a cleft lip, but he's pulled through and enjoys his life.

When the chance comes, Terra and her mother go on a trip to China with Jacob's family. Time away from home is just what both of them need to find themselves and show their courage. As Terra grows closer to Jacob, she starts to learn the magnificence of inner-beauty, which is many times more beautiful than outer beauty.

Justina Chen Headley's thoughtful novel has many messages and is also upbeat and humorous. I'd suggest it to any teen who likes realistic fiction, mostly girls.