Abbott, T. (2007). Firegirl. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Stephanie Gotay

Fiction-Young Adult (12-18 years old)

 

Body image, Middle school, Relationships

 

Firegirl is a poignant tale of physical deformity, judgment, and social isolation. Although the story revolves around Jessica who was severely scarred in a fiery car crash, Tom, a quiet seventh grader, is the main character. The story illustrates the ostracizing results differences can produce as well as the inner turmoil experienced when confronting personal reactions to these differences.In this case, Jessica’s classmates are afraid of her scars. They are afraid to look at her, be near her, or speak to her. Tom feels the same, but circumstances develop allowing him to find the courage to reach out to the girl others consider untouchable. This is a story of developing awareness of differences, personal values, individual worth, and injustice.

 

The book is a useful resource to encourage inclusion of others with physical disabilities or abnormalities and to facilitate conversation regarding emotional responses to those perceived as different.The book’s reading level could include ages 10 and up, but the content is intense.For this reason, young readers may benefit by reading the book with an adult or in class.The book can be utilized as homework with older readers to later process during group psychoeducational sessions.School counselors can use this resource with a classroom when attempting to integrate a new student with obvious disabilities.The book is not intended to enhance adjustment for persons with physical differences.Some printings of the book contain a readers’ guide which is helpful to process the emotional complexities of the story.