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When her sixteen-year-old
sister wins a local modeling contest and goes off to New York
with her parents a few weeks before the school year ends,
eleven-year-old Meggie is left with her grandmother, with
whom she has a special relationship. Gran's home is on a small
island; she is the only remaining year-round resident, determined
to stay despite her husband's death last year. Since summer
visitors have not yet arrived, she and Meggie are the only
inhabitants.
Meggie arrives sulky, unhappy at being left behind, and a
bit jealous. Understanding her sturdy, bespectacled granddaughter's
conflicted feelings about her glamorous big sister, Gran encourages
her to develop her own talents. Meggie is an artist, a good
one; her grandmother takes her one step further, urging her
to tell the stories her drawings illustrate. When Meggie proves
she can write as well as draw, Gran arranges with an old friend
to publish her work in the local paper.
Meggie--published as Meg--gains confidence with each story.
She creates a main character with artistic talent whose drawings
play a part in rescuing other characters from dangerous situations.
As Meg and Gran investigate the damage after a violent storm
hits the island, Gran is injured in a fall far from the house.
With the power cut off and the telephone lines down, Meg faces
the challenge of her life; both her newfound self-confidence
and her talent as an artist will be put to the ultimate test.
Picture Perfect is a 19,000-word novel in ten chapters for
middle-grade readers. The story touches issues of sibling
rivalry, family relationships, self-esteem, and creativity
as they affect the development of a strong, resourceful young
girl.
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