Author:Malaika Rose Stanley
Big ambitions, big bullies and big problems
When 13-year-old Brummie babe, Destiny enters the Bright Sparks beauty contest behind her (ex-model) mum's back, she is determined to prove she has talent and brains - and that she is not just a pretty face.
Together with her cousin, Keisha and best friends, Ebyan and Bee, Destiny deals with every challenge life throws at her - including scary eyeball-to-eyeball confrontations with bully-girl Bella and secret winks from heart-throb, Joel.
And then real disaster strikes...
Gourlay spins slender threads of wishes and prayers, magic and miracles, desires and redemption
and weaves together an impressively sweet and rich tale
I enjoyed Candy Gourlay's Tall Story
—— ObserverThis is a story that is funny, sad and magical. I thought the author chose a good subject to write about because she wrote about very real emotions. She also added a bit of imagination which made it very interesting. The main characters tell the story in alternate chapters. I would recommend this book - pure brilliant!
—— Teen TitlesIt's an inspiring story remininding us just how impressive a character Obama is
—— Bournemouth Daily EchoJacqueline Wilson writes with great skill and humour about the reasons and results of bullying . . . Very readable . . .Tanya and Mandy will remain in readers' minds long after they close the book
—— Junior BookshelfMandy's multiple dilemmas are sympathetically unravelled in this super story of true friendship
—— CarouselTreading a sensitive, complex path among ethical, social and family issues, and dealing with bullying, illiteracy and friendship, this is a skilfully judged story that provokes lots of discussion
—— Guardian