Deenie

by Judy Blume
Deenie cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Young Adult (YA)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 6375
  • Added: 2025-11-14
  • Updated: 2025-11-15
  • ISBN: 9780330398114
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Deenie, a 13-year-old girl with striking beauty, finds her world turned upside down when she is diagnosed with scoliosis. Her mother, Mrs. Fenner, has always envisioned Deenie becoming a successful model, but the diagnosis and the subsequent need to wear a back brace seem to put an end to those dreams. /n/nDespite her initial relief at the prospect of escaping her mother's high expectations, Deenie quickly realizes that the brace will significantly alter her teenage experience. She must navigate the challenges of adolescence while dealing with the physical and emotional burdens of her condition, all while trying to find her own path in life.

Reviews
Michigan Daily · Kathleen Gray · 2023-06-14
heroic 4.00

The story is heroic and tackles the tough topic of scoliosis with sensitivity. The protagonist's journey is both inspiring and relatable, making it a compelling read.

Kathleen Gray praises the book for its heroic portrayal of a young girl dealing with scoliosis. They find the story inspiring and relatable, highlighting the protagonist's journey as both emotional and empowering. The reviewer appreciates the book's sensitivity in tackling tough topics and its impact on young readers. They commend Judy Blume for her ability to write about difficult subjects in a way that resonates with her audience.

Quick quotes

    “Deenie” tells the story of a young girl whose mother has her heart set on her becoming a model.

    The story is heroic and tackles the tough topic of scoliosis with sensitivity.

    The protagonist's journey is both inspiring and relatable.

Feminist Quill · Feminist Quill · 2021-06-15
comforting 4.00

The book's tone and content are understandably dated, but it remains a comforting read for teenagers. The story's exploration of body image and self-acceptance is timeless and impactful.

The reviewer at Feminist Quill notes that while the book's tone and content may be dated, it still holds significant value as a comforting read for teenagers. They appreciate the story's exploration of body image and self-acceptance, finding it timeless and impactful. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to resonate with young readers and its enduring relevance in addressing important issues.

Quick quotes

    The book's tone and a lot of its content is understandably dated, but Deenie is chicken soup for the teenage soul.

    The story's exploration of body image and self-acceptance is timeless and impactful.

    The book still holds significant value as a comforting read for teenagers.

Disability in Kidlit · Kody Keplinger · 2016-09-16
thoughtful 3.50

The character development from an uncaring child to one that understands pain is well-executed, but it is taken to an extreme. The portrayal of scoliosis and its impact on the protagonist's life is both realistic and thought-provoking.

In this review, Kody Keplinger discusses how the book effectively portrays the journey of a young girl dealing with scoliosis. They appreciate the nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's growth and the realistic depiction of her struggles. However, they also note that the character's development is taken to an extreme, which might not resonate with all readers. The reviewer highlights the book's strength in tackling tough topics and its impact on young readers.

Quick quotes

    Showing the development from an uncaring child to one that understands pain is a useful tactic, but Deenie takes this so far as to be ...

    The portrayal of scoliosis and its impact on the protagonist's life is both realistic and thought-provoking.

    The book effectively portrays the journey of a young girl dealing with scoliosis.

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