For the majority of this book, Charlie feels she needs to reinvent herself. This leads to much of her dialogue and behavior we read. While this is resolved well in the end with a great takeaway message, we want to make sure you are aware of what your child will be experiencing for the majority of this title so you can gauge this for your particular reader. For example, “Just be myself? No way, I have to be cool” followed by seeing her pursue a whole new hairstyle, wardrobe, way of acting, etc. She lies several times to try and fit in or avoid embarrassment (book does a good job of showing this is not good thing, especially given the nice girls she starts hanging around with). In one case she “swears” she is being honest multiple times, even though she is lying. She purposely drinks a drink she knows will make her sick instead of admitting she can’t have it. She hides most of her room decorations, fearing her new friends won’t think they are cool.

Charlie admits she is still getting used to her dad being around after he was deployed for much of her life. Unfortunately in the story this leads to her often being unkind and hard on him (for his part, he remains kind towards her). In fact in one scene she loses it on her dad who tries to help her. Similarly, mom is very sweet towards friends who come over, but Charlie acts very rude and embarrassed (this is not really shown as wrong very well).

Other items to be aware of:

After a “hair disaster” someone asks if she can help, to which Charlie irreverently replies, “not unless you have a comb or a miracle”. The person who offers help replies, “I have both”.

A girl comments, “You know fast food is one of the leading causes of global warming”

A girl is shown in a bra while changing in one illustration.

In acknowledgements, both the author and illustrator (ladies) mention their “spouse” and not “husband”.