Justina Chen’s 2009 novel, “North of Beautiful,” (Little Brown Books) is one of her best works. It is relatable to all girls, especially those dealing with the stress of society and school. Although it is fiction, the story communicates the realistic thoughts and feelings of a teen girl.

This exquisite novel narrates the life of Terra Cooper, a girl with the most perfect body, but a “flawed” face. Told in her point of view, Terra takes us on a journey, full of twists and turns as she narrates the events that occur within a year of her life.

“North of Beautiful” conveys the universal theme that everyone should be who they really are, and never change their personality to be someone others want them to be.  Chen emphasizes never hiding your true self, and never settling for something less than you want. It is a wonderful book filled with power and self-realization, and it is extremely motivating for many teenage girls who read it.

Both NPR and Goodreads include “North of Beautiful” in their picks for best young adult fiction.