Pretty Funny for a Girl

Haylah Swinton is juggling friends, family, boys, self-esteem, and her curvy body—all while harboring a big secret: she wants to be a stand-up comedian star.  
  • ISBN: 9781682631478
  • Publication date: 10/01/2020
  • Page Count: 384
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 8"
  • Age Range: 12-16
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  • ISBN: 9781682631478
  • Publication date: 10/01/2020
  • Page Count: 384
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 8"
  • Age Range: 12-16
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  • ISBN: 9781682633335
  • Publication date: 09/01/2021
  • Page Count: 368
  • Size: 5-1/4" x 8"
  • Age Range: 12-16
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  • Age Range: 12-16
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  • ISBN: 9781682632680
  • Publication date: 10/01/2020
  • Page Count: N/A
  • Age Range: 12-16
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  • Age Range: 12-16
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Description

Haylah Swinton is juggling friends, family, boys, self-esteem, and her curvy body—all while harboring a big secret: she wants to be a stand-up comedian star.

“A refreshing coming-of-age read full of optimism, dreams, and plenty of stereotype-smashing laughs. A natural pick for Dumplin’ (2015) fans.” —Booklist

Haylah Swinton is a stellar best friend, a loving daughter, and an incredibly patient sister to a four-year-old nutcase of a brother. Best of all, she’s pretty confident she’s mastered making light of every situation―from her mom’s new boyfriend to unsolicited remarks on her plus-sized figure. Besides, she has a big secret: one day, she’ll be a stand-up comedian star.

So when impossibly cool and thirstalicious Leo reveals he’s also into comedy, Haylah jumps at the chance to ghost-write his sets. But is Leo as interested in returning the favor?

Even though her friends warn her of Leo’s intentions, Haylah’s not ready to listen―and she might just be digging herself deeper toward heartbreak. If Haylah’s ever going to step into the spotlight, first she’ll need to find the self-confidence to strut like the boss she really is.

Author Rebecca Elliott shines in this debut novel starring a strong, memorable heroine and a story full of heart, humor, and relatable themes of body image, dreams, and self-esteem.

Author/Illustrator

Rebecca Elliott

Author

Rebecca Elliott is an author and illustrator. She earned a degree in philosophy and once did a brief stint in a dull office. Now, she enjoys eating angel delight, loudly venting on a drum kit, and spending time in her sunny garden. She lives in England with her family, some chickens, and a cat named Bernard.

Reviews

“A feel-good story featuring a narrator who’s likable and genuinely funny, even at her most self-deprecating. Dreams, being true to oneself, body-image issues, single parenting, family dynamics, self-confidence, and a realistic depiction of friendship make this a refreshing coming-of-age read full of optimism, dreams, and plenty of stereotype-smashing laughs. A natural pick for Dumplin’ (2015) fans.” —Booklist

“Sharp, funny… The working-class British milieu feels freshly wrought, and Elliott’s characters are well balanced… [Haylah’s] comedy routine, though at times self-deprecating, also flips some stereotypes.” —Publishers Weekly

“Elliott, who has previously published picture books and early readers, nails the voice and persona of a high school girl…. A good purchase for libraries that need coming-of-age books centering body-positivity.” —School Library Journal 

“The author seems well versed in comedy writing and the sexism women face in that profession.” —Kirkus Reviews 

Awards

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Senior High)— Kansas National Education Association, 2021

Resources

Resources: Discussion Guide, Other

Discussion Guide

More Details

F&P: Z, Gr 7-8, Genre RF
Lexile: 820L
Themes: Body Image, Comedy, Family, Relationships, Self-confidence
BISAC 1: YAF058220 YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
BISAC 2: YAF022000  YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Girls & Women
BISAC 3: YAF027000 YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Humorous / General