Not-quite-fourteen-year-old Wendy doesn't care one bit about being popular like her classmates Tookie and the Sticks. That is, until Brainiac bully John-Monster schemes against her, and someone leaves anonymous sticky-note messages all over school. Even her best friend is hiding something. While juggling divorced parents, caring for abandoned puppies, and trying to make the high school track team, who has time to play detective? A gentle crossover book especially for pre- and early teen gals. Tastefully addresses topics such as bullying, eating disorders, divorce, suicide. For both mainstream and religious audiences, and should be suitable for all but the most prudish Christian reader. Family-friendly-young-teen. PYP-rated PG for thematic elements. Religious content: offhand. "BIRD FACE is the story of the awkward and somewhat shy, Wendy, who has a beautiful best friend ... a school bully she refers to as John-Monster, and a secret friend who offers encouragement with mysterious yellow sticky notes. ...[A] pleasure to read because it gets back to the basics, and the simple insecurities we've all faced .... ...direct and realistic dialogue, the innocence and sweetness was refreshing. ...a fabulously sweet debut, and a recommended read. Bravo, Ms. Toney!" Lee Ann Ward, author of There in the Moon Mist and Once Wayward ..".Cynthia Toney takes all the angst of a girl on the cusp of high school and wraps it in an endearing package, one that is filled with true-life emotion and humor. When I finished reading this story, my only thought was this book must be published. ...will resonate with everyone who reads it-adult or teen." Fay Lamb, editor for Pelican Book Group, Inc.