• Age: 14 to 18
• Grade: 9 to 12
• Reading age: 7 to 10

There are some things a teen can take for granted, or so Penny thinks. Beautiful girls get all the breaks. An eccentric old woman is going to be the target of every kid in the 'hood. But what if things are not all they seem? Lori Weber's talents are on full display in this in this remarkable, insightful story of beauty's fleeting power and the effects of time.

Lori Weber is the author of eight young adult novels, including Yellow Mini, a novel in verse, and Deep Girls, a short—story collection; one historical middle grade novel, Lightning Lou; and one picture book, My Granny Loves Hockey. A native Montrealer, she lived for several years in Atlantic Canada; upon returning to Montreal, she began teaching English at Vanier College in 1994 before moving to John Abbott College in 1996, a position she recently retired from. She has delivered workshops in writing for teens through the Quebec Writers' Federation. Lori currently lives in Dorval, Quebec, where she hopes to do more writing, taking inspiration from the beautiful Lac Saint Louis at her doorstep.

Lori Weber's profile page

• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens - Canadian Children's Book Centre

"[Strange Beauty intertwines complicated issues of friendship, prejudice, empathy, family, and identity in down-to-earth, believable situations. A good detective story as well, it will inspire middle school and junior high girls to examine their own relationships and prejudices."

VOYA

"...readers will feel close to Penelope as she quietly discovers that beauty is often found in the most unexpected places."

KLIATT

"An interesting, thought-provoking read. Highly recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"... a sensitive portrayal of adolescent-elderly relationships which is refreshing and encouraging and also offers readers plenty of thought-provoking material ... quite possibly [Lori Weber's most serious, poignant, and profound novel to date."

Canadian Bookseller

Strange Beauty (SideStreets)