Outrageously Alice

Eighth grade was supposed to be the pinnacle of middle school cool, but Alice McKinley is discovering the harsh reality that changing your grade level doesn't automatically change your life. Bored with her "plain-Jane" existence, she embarks on a mission of self-reinvention, determined to trade her predictable persona for a more stylish and creative identity. This young adult novel captures the universal adolescent desire to shed an old skin and the messy, often hilarious process of trying to become someone new. Alice's journey is a relatable exploration of the social pressures and identity crises that define the early teen years.

Naylor perfectly balances the cringe-worthy humor of Alice's misadventures with genuine heart, asking whether "outrageous" is truly a sustainable personality or just a different kind of trap. The book's strength lies in its honest portrayal of how self-improvement plans often collide with embarrassing reality, making it ideal for any reader who has ever tried—and failed—to execute a grand social makeover. You'll cringe in sympathy and laugh in recognition as Alice learns that the most interesting person she can be might just be her authentic self, awkwardness and all.