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.

Mirabelle's art teacher tells her she has talent, but what good is it doing her? Almost fifteen and friendless, Mira is plagued by dark thoughts. Her body seems to be changing daily. Her mother is domineering and half-crazy and her father --- well, he's her ex-father, mostly out of Mira's life and awkward when he's around.

Then she meets free-spirited, confident Catherine, a knockout who makes the boys' jaws drop. Not only is Catherine good at art like Mira, she also knows about kissing boys. Mira has never kissed anyone and doesn't understand the hungry way boys are beginning to look at her.

Now that Mira's finally found someone she can talk to, her dark thoughts are vanishing. But as her friend encourages her to come out of her shell, Mira finds that her new-found confidence can still be shattered in an instant.

Only after Mira faces a betrayal and a tragedy can she begin to put the fragmented pieces of herself together.