Sahara Special: A Great Book for Every Girl

This is one of the books that I'd recommend to every girl between the ages of 11 and 14. Every girl should read it, but especially those who love to write and/or read. I also recommend this book to every writer I know, because it really is the story of an artist's journey.

Penned by the gifted author Esme Raji Codell, Sahara Special tells the story of a young girl who gets labeled by her school as a "special education" student.

Codell, however, makes sure that we, the reader, know better. We know that Sahara is misunderstood, sad, confused and lonely, but she does not belong in the hallway being tutored by the special ed teacher.

After her teacher discovers heartbreaking letters to her father (who has run out on the family), Sahara is sent to the school counselor's office where the counselor produces a jam-packed file. In the words of Sahara herself, the file...

"...is "the history of me. No, not the history. A history. A history that didn't include when me and my mom go to the bookstore. I can pick any book I want, even in hardcover. That's the way it's always been. We never have much money, but Mom doesn't blink when the numbers ring up. She hands over the big bills like she was buying milk or eggs, something we just can't do without."

Sahara is smart, but what she needs is for her mother to buck the system (she does) and she needs a teacher who believes in her.

Enter Miss Pointy (short for Poitier). She's a system-bucker herself, and sees the magic and promise that lies in Sahara. Miss Pointy has her own brand of magic -- she's the kind of teacher that every kid should have at least once in their educational life.

As the school year moves along, we get to watch Sahara heal and grow, make friends and convince herself that she is more than the daughter of a father deserted his family. She is a writer!

This is the kind of book that will leave a mark on everyone who reads it. Every character comes alive and the sweet relationships between Sahara and her mom, her teacher and her friends are unforgettable. Suitable for 4th graders on up, this book is a treasure.

I promise, if you pick up Sahara Special, you won't want to put it down until the pages run out.

Enjoy!