Girl from Mars »

Fifteen-year-old Miriam is having stupid arguments with her mother, is bored to death in class, and is trying to get excited by the same old parties with the same old friends in the same old town. She wishes she lived in a big city where she could meet new people and experience new things. In other words, like 15-year-olds everywhere, Miriam is waiting desperately for her life to begin, for something, anything — a first love, perhaps. Love comes in an unexpected way when she meets her new classmate, Laura. Suddenly life is very complicated and unsettling, as Miriam finds herself lying to her girlfriends, avoiding her brother's probing questions, and second-guessing every move she makes. And as she tries to figure out Laura's moods, Miriam has to understand how her arrogant friend Philip fits into her life. When Philip, Miriam, and Laura take a weekend trip to the big city, everything becomes clear — and more confusing than ever. Written in a smart, quirky, hip style Girl from Mars — now in paperback — speaks to young people everywhere.

Children's Literature

Like any fifteen year old, Miriam wants something new and different to happen in her life. She is tired of the same friends, the same family, and the same small town. She wants excitement and she wants to find love. What she does find is totally unexpected when love comes from a very different direction. A new girl in school, Laura, is unusual and exciting. She also produces some strange and confusing feelings in Miriam. While Miriam is dealing with these new feelings and Laura, she sees her old friends less and less. She meets Peter, a friend of Laura's, and Miriam is n'ot sure of either of these new friends, but she can'not seem to stop herself from being with them. The story takes place in Germany where things are more liberal than in some countries— —teens drink beer while they hang out listening to music or doing whatever teens do. Tamara Bach does an excellent job of getting into the heads of teens. She writes from their perspective and accurately portrays what it is like when you are n'ot happy with yourself and you are confused by your life and the people around you. Reviewer: Naomi Williamson