Cookie

"Cookie" is a book about a girl called Beauty Cookson. Beauty could be considered the ultimate poor little rich girl. Although her father is rich, he is controlling, domineering and abusive. He says he loves his daughter, but then tells her how ugly she is. His constant criticism is directed at her mother as well. Dilly Cookson is his third wife. She is also abused by her husband. He won't give her money, allow her to hold a job or have any friends. Still Dilly does her best to care for her daughter. And Beauty cares for her mother. They both work hard to humor her father. They walk on tiptoes around him, trying to keep him happy. But of course they can't. When he is angry it is every one's fault but his own.
Beauty is miserable both in her home and in her school. She only has one friend, a girl named Rhona. Rhona's wants Beauty for her best friend. But she has another friend, a girl named Skye who spends all her time making Beauty miserable. Skye makes fun of Beauty's name, calling her Ugly. In addition she laughs at her, makes fun of her weight and incites the other children to make fun of her.
Beauty is dreading her birthday. She wants more than anything to have a quiet day with her mom and dad, and perhaps her friend Rhona. But her dad has some other plans. He says he wants to make the day memorable, and it is but not in the way Beauty expects. Beauty's birthday is a day of many surprises but the biggest one of all is the one her mother gives her, a life changing surprise.
This is another book I bought and read in one day. It made me sad and yet I enjoyed it. Because it showed how determination and self respect can change a life, even when circumstances try to do otherwise. Beauty would be the last person in the world to say she was brave, or pretty or anything special. But she was all those things and more. I admired her very much.
This is definitely a girls' book about mean girls. If you have a daughter between the ages of say 10 to 12, then I think she will like it. She might even relate to it a bit. Every girl has had her share of the mean girls. Boys might not like it as much, but even boys can appreciate a story about the one who doesn't fit in. I think there are some boys out there who'll enjoy it as much as the girls.
Just one word of caution. This is a British book. Some of the expressions might confuse a younger reader. But despite this I think they will enjoy the story.
"Cookie" is a great book, and one I think mom will enjoy too. Find it at your local independent bookstore or at the library today.