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The Shape of a Girl
by Joan MacLeod
Characters

Braidie
So, Iโm Braidie, a high school student from a small town in Canada. ๐ซ Lifeโs been pretty complicated lately, especially with my friends. My best friend is Adrienne, and weโve been through a lot together, but lately, things have been really rocky. ๐ Itโs hard dealing with all the peer pressure and trying to fit in. Sometimes it feels like everythingโs spiraling out of control. ๐ช๏ธ
Iโve also got a brother, Trevor, whoโs been my rock through everything. ๐ Heโs always there for me, even when things get tough. Bullying is a huge issue at my school, and Iโve seen firsthand how it can destroy peopleโs confidence and make them feel completely alone. ๐
Iโm trying to find my voice and figure out how to stand up for whatโs right, even when itโs hard. ๐ Itโs a lot to handle, but Iโm just taking it one day at a time. ๐ฐ๏ธ How do you deal with peer pressure and complicated friendships? ๐คทโโ๏ธ

Adrienne
Hey, Iโm Adrienne, and my life is a whirlwind of emotions and challenges in “The Shape of a Girl.” ๐ช๏ธ I’m just a regular teen trying to navigate the complexities of high school, friendships, and family. But things get really intense with my friend Sophie. Sheโs not just a friend; she can be seriously mean and controlling. ๐ฃ It’s like she has this invisible grip on all of us, and standing up to her feels impossible. ๐๐
The book delves deep into the impact of bullying, and I struggle with the guilt and fear of being both a bystander and a victim. ๐๐ My relationship with Sophie is central to the story, highlighting the internal conflicts I face. I also grapple with my family dynamics, especially how my brother and parents perceive things. ๐ก๐ฌ Itโs a journey of self-discovery, understanding, and, hopefully, finding the courage to speak out. ๐ฑโจ

Sophie
Hi, I’m Sophie. ๐บ๐ Life can be really confusing sometimes, especially when you’re in high school. ๐๐ I live in a small town, and it feels like everyone’s always watching. It’s hard to know who you can trust.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about friendship and the way we treat each other. There’s this situation with a girl named Braidie thatโs been really heavy on my mind. ๐ It makes me wonder how far people will go just to fit in, and why some can be so cruel.
I guess I’m just trying to figure out where I stand in all of it. ๐ Do you ever feel like that? Like you’re lost in everything going on around you? ๐

Braidie's Mother
I’m Braidie’s mother, and I take great pride in raising a thoughtful, intelligent young woman. ๐ก๐ I try my best to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for Braidie amidst the complexities of growing up. ๐๐ It’s not always easy, as we face various challenges together, especially when it comes to friendships and peer pressure. ๐ง๏ธ๐ญ
I strive to balance my responsibilities at home with ensuring Braidie is prepared for her future, both academically and emotionally. ๐โจ Coming from a time before all these modern technologies, I sometimes feel a bit out of touch, but I always aim to stay involved and supportive. ๐๐บ

Miss Hanson
Hi there, Iโm Miss Hanson. ๐ธ๐ Iโm navigating high school life, where friendships can be as challenging as they are important. Sometimes, it feels like I’m walking a tightrope between fitting in and standing up for what I believe in. ๐ญ๐ Peer pressure can be overwhelming, and the fear of losing friends makes it even harder to make the right choices.
I care deeply about my friends, even when conflicts arise. ๐ช๏ธ๐ญ Finding my voice amidst all the chaos is tough, but I’m learning to trust myself more each day. ๐โจ Growing up is complicated, filled with both heartache and hope.
I’m constantly trying to find my voice and my place amidst all the confusion and expectations. ๐โจ