Absolutely Maybe (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009) by Lisa Yee is memorable. Usually her books are memorable for their humor–this one is much more serious “coming of age” story. Here’s the set-up.
Maybelline’s mother, Chessy, won’t tell her who her father is. Maybe’s best friends Ted and Hollywood help her stay sane when Chessy seems to admire her charm school girls more than her own daughter. When Jake, soon to be husband number 7 attempts to rape Maybe, she escapes with Ted in Hollywood’s car to LA where Hollywood is going to school and Maybe plans to find her real dad.
This books went through numerous drafts–you can see them here–but I’m grateful Lisa persevered. And after you read it, you will be, too. Although, I must warn you, you’ll be wanting to eat the tacos that Maybe learns to make.
Check out the bonus info, like Maybe’s Hangouts, and info about the cover on Lisa’s Absolutely Maybe page.
