Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan

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                    Have you ever "looked up" without being on the internet or at a role model? Julia Marks literally has and it hasn't always made her happy. For example her friends never choose her to be on their team for team sports, and her parents whisper about her and say that they're lucky that she isn't a boy -- just because of her height. 
                    Julia's mom makes her audition for the local Wizard of Oz play because a famous broadway director is directing it (Shawn Barr). Julia is a little quiet and closed in the beginning but pops open like a walnut when she makes the part as the munchkin and finds that her director is really supportive and cheery. And she just had call out, "We were inspired, and we could watch a little more Wizard of Oz if that would help."
                    As Julia works hard at the play she starts to really enjoy it and starts practice a lot at home. She also makes a few friends. Her favorite is Olive -- she is a small adult and Julia's size! Julia also meets her supposedly grumpy nieghbor but she turns out to be super nice and becomes the costume director and Shawn Barr's new great friend. Olive teaches her all the dance parts the munchkins need to perform and is soon discovered and put in the front of the munchkins.  Then one afternoon she is upgraded to a Flying monkey! But in the end which is more important friendship, size, or show? 
                                                                                                                        Friendship.


                                                               "What matters is how big you are inside"
                                                                                                               - Holly Goldberg Sloan  


                    "Short" is heartfelt, and you will be able to relate to Julia's problems even if you aren't short. The author is very sympathetic to Julia as people talk behind her back and make her feel 'Out of the group'. "Short" is one of my favorites this summer, but sadly I can't tell you the sweetest part because it would be a crime if I ruined the end for you. Holly Goldberg Sloan's descriptive writing is so pleasurable to read.  If there was a Short #2 I would definitely read it.    
                                                          
                                             

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