At the start of this startling, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting novel, a young woman named Pamela lies dead on the living room floor, with her younger sister, Em, wondering if she's responsible. Is she? How did Em get to this point in her life? How did she survive? The answer is revealed in the direct, open, and remarkably hopeful voice of a teenage girl whose basically sunny disposition outlives some of the darkest circumstances imaginable. The ups and downs of the sisters' life on their own is chronicled with humour, pathos, and unflinching honesty; from the moment Pamela's anger first turns to physical violence, to Em's triumphant reconnections to people and things in the world outside their apartment. This is the extraordinary book that launched the Arthur A. Levine Books imprint ten years ago. It's a book you won't be able to put down. And one you'll never forget.
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- YA Fiction & Indies
- Young Adult Fiction
- When She Was Good
When She Was Good
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
12+
Release Date
January 01, 2000
ISBN
0590319906
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Editor reviews
2 reviews
Bleak, Stunning, and Uplifting
(Updated: July 12, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Pamela is dead, finally, and her younger sister Em is relieved/devastated/relieved/sad but mostly relieved. Em and Pamela ran away from home after their mother died, and their father remarried. Em's life with Pamela was hardly an improvement over the bleak existence at home since Pamela had mental problems which caused her to abuse Em physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Em's story, intense and emotional, is difficult to read at times. There seems to be no way out for Em, who can't find lasting work because Pamela kept her from school and has no friends due to her isolation. Pamela's disability check at least paid for rent and some food; after Pamela dies, Em has no money. The book is riveting, though, partly because the reader is pulled so adeptly into Em's mind--and it ends on a realistic yet uplifting and hopeful note. Em will haunt the reader long after "The End."
This book was originally published in 1997; it's been re-released in a special anniversary edition. In its original printing, it won a slew of awards, including ALA Best Book for Young Adults, School Library Journal Best Book, and ALA Booklist Editors' Choice. This edition features a fascinating interview with author Norma Fox Mazer.
Very highly recommended.
Em's story, intense and emotional, is difficult to read at times. There seems to be no way out for Em, who can't find lasting work because Pamela kept her from school and has no friends due to her isolation. Pamela's disability check at least paid for rent and some food; after Pamela dies, Em has no money. The book is riveting, though, partly because the reader is pulled so adeptly into Em's mind--and it ends on a realistic yet uplifting and hopeful note. Em will haunt the reader long after "The End."
This book was originally published in 1997; it's been re-released in a special anniversary edition. In its original printing, it won a slew of awards, including ALA Best Book for Young Adults, School Library Journal Best Book, and ALA Booklist Editors' Choice. This edition features a fascinating interview with author Norma Fox Mazer.
Very highly recommended.
G
Guest
User reviews
5 reviews
Overall rating
4.2
Plot
4.2(5)
Characters
N/A(0)
Writing Style
N/A(0)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A(0)
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Life Lesson
(Updated: July 12, 2026)
Overall rating
4.0
Plot
4.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by orchdork5
When She Was Good taught me a lot about life. It told me to be strong when trouble comes my way. It also taught me to be brave againt people who are disturbing and rude. This book deserves a 4 1/2 because it really could make you feel like Em. Being inside her head gave me another perspective on life too. I reccomend this to anyone who likes an easy read that is astounding.
When She Was Good taught me a lot about life. It told me to be strong when trouble comes my way. It also taught me to be brave againt people who are disturbing and rude. This book deserves a 4 1/2 because it really could make you feel like Em. Being inside her head gave me another perspective on life too. I reccomend this to anyone who likes an easy read that is astounding.
G
Guest
what a book
(Updated: July 12, 2026)
Overall rating
3.0
Plot
3.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by chico
This book i've been reading in class for a lit circle, all the girls in my lit. circle hate this book with a passion. They think that it's dull, has nothing to do with their lifes, and is pointless. Apparently im the only one who thinks that this book is worth reading!!!! Its not the best but it keeps you guessing. "what will she do next", im always thinking to myself. Em the main character is very decriptive on her past life, she tells the truth about what happens and what she does. This story is a good book to read when you feel bad about your own life because when you read this book you think "WOW" this chick is nuttttts!!!! Glad im not her!! I certainly recommend this book to someone who wants a sad depressing, but positivitly encourageing too never give up in life when things go wrong.
This book i've been reading in class for a lit circle, all the girls in my lit. circle hate this book with a passion. They think that it's dull, has nothing to do with their lifes, and is pointless. Apparently im the only one who thinks that this book is worth reading!!!! Its not the best but it keeps you guessing. "what will she do next", im always thinking to myself. Em the main character is very decriptive on her past life, she tells the truth about what happens and what she does. This story is a good book to read when you feel bad about your own life because when you read this book you think "WOW" this chick is nuttttts!!!! Glad im not her!! I certainly recommend this book to someone who wants a sad depressing, but positivitly encourageing too never give up in life when things go wrong.
G
Guest
This Book Was Okay
(Updated: July 12, 2026)
Overall rating
4.0
Plot
4.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by By Ur Mom
I thought this book was an okay book. I kind of liked but it didnt grab my attention that much. It is about an 18 yr old girl, Em, who moves away with her abusive older sister Pamela after their dad remarries. After Pamela dies, Em doesn't know what to do. She has never lived without Pamela telling her what to do and what not to do. She hears Pamela's voice in her head all the time and thinks she might be going crazy. At the end of the book she finds peace, how to cope without Pamela and a friend....3 things she has wanted most.
I thought this book was an okay book. I kind of liked but it didnt grab my attention that much. It is about an 18 yr old girl, Em, who moves away with her abusive older sister Pamela after their dad remarries. After Pamela dies, Em doesn't know what to do. She has never lived without Pamela telling her what to do and what not to do. She hears Pamela's voice in her head all the time and thinks she might be going crazy. At the end of the book she finds peace, how to cope without Pamela and a friend....3 things she has wanted most.
G
Guest
Awesome
(Updated: July 12, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Ashley
This book was awesome. A girl is growing up with a sick mother, an abusive older sister, and an alcoholic father. That is what i like to read about. It's a bit weird that she runs away with someone she hates so much. It's surprising she can miss her when she dies. I loved this book.
This book was awesome. A girl is growing up with a sick mother, an abusive older sister, and an alcoholic father. That is what i like to read about. It's a bit weird that she runs away with someone she hates so much. It's surprising she can miss her when she dies. I loved this book.
G
Guest
Touching novel for young girls
(Updated: July 12, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by Dylana
This book is so touching and so emotional. It's very realistic, for you get into the thoughts and feelings of Em. She has been through a lot in her life: her mother's silent depression, her father's drinking, and her very abusive sister, Pamela. Em's mother dies and she goes under the control of Pamela, who name calls her the worst things and beats her until she has to cover herself up. Pamela and Em move out on thier own when thier father gets a girlfriend. Then Pamela dies, and Em feels like she could have done something to stop it, but it was too late.
So Em is all on her own. She can't find a job anywhere. All she feels is rejection. She keeps having dreams of Pamela and hearing Pamela's harsh voice. Em keeps remmebering her mother and regrets not ever being closer to her. All Em has is the hope that someday, if she is a good person, happiness will come, and she'll live a normal life finally, where she won't have to worry about not paying the rent or not having enough food to eat.
This is a sad story of hope and grief. It really touches your heart. You feel so bad for Em for all she has had to deal with the problems in her family. This book is very well written, with It may make you realize how good you and your family have it in life.
This book is so touching and so emotional. It's very realistic, for you get into the thoughts and feelings of Em. She has been through a lot in her life: her mother's silent depression, her father's drinking, and her very abusive sister, Pamela. Em's mother dies and she goes under the control of Pamela, who name calls her the worst things and beats her until she has to cover herself up. Pamela and Em move out on thier own when thier father gets a girlfriend. Then Pamela dies, and Em feels like she could have done something to stop it, but it was too late.
So Em is all on her own. She can't find a job anywhere. All she feels is rejection. She keeps having dreams of Pamela and hearing Pamela's harsh voice. Em keeps remmebering her mother and regrets not ever being closer to her. All Em has is the hope that someday, if she is a good person, happiness will come, and she'll live a normal life finally, where she won't have to worry about not paying the rent or not having enough food to eat.
This is a sad story of hope and grief. It really touches your heart. You feel so bad for Em for all she has had to deal with the problems in her family. This book is very well written, with It may make you realize how good you and your family have it in life.
G
Guest
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