Mirabelle, like many teens, is an unreliable narrator when she assesses relationships. Her father is bigger than life—in her memory—while her mother, with whom she lives, is portrayed as a total wacko. To escape, Mira has always turned to books and art, particularly if the natural world is involved. Her second-year art teacher, whom everyone calls “the Birdman,” encourages her to take risks but also to get counseling. It is through Mira’s newfound ability to accept life and friendship as tentative but worthwhile that she is finally able to pick up the pieces. 2010 USBBY Outstanding In ternational Books List, 2010 ALA/YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2009 winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award (translation). lmp

Originally published as La Liberte? Connais pas in French by La Courte Êchelle Canada in 2005. Translated by Susan Ouriou.