ELFIE UNPERFECT

Can a perfect student find a way to belong in the "unperfect" world around her?

Studious Elfie yearns for a place where her academic devotion and drive for perfection are appreciated. So she’s thrilled when she earns a scholarship and a place as a fifth grader at a fancy private school. Unfortunately, on the very first day Elfie’s good intentions get her in trouble with a legacy student, and she finds herself back at her old public school. Elfie is crushed, but as time passes, she begins to realize she’s not the only one experiencing hardship and unfairness. Ultimately, Elfie learns that finding community and supporting your friends and family are much more important than perfect grades. Elfie’s specific ways of observing and navigating the world are brought to vivid life in the first-person narration of this realistic story. The tension between living up to your principles while also trying to be a good friend rings true. Elfie also explores new emotional territory as she processes loved ones’ health and emotional crises. Through it all, there’s just the right mix of gentle humor, unconditional love from her mother and father, and Elfie’s own compelling brand of heart. The main cast is satisfyingly developed, which makes up for a few one-dimensional minor characters. Most characters seem to default to White; Elfie’s teacher is Filipina American.

A solid story about the importance of community rather than perfection.