Is That Really Me in the Mirror?

Despite Joanne's intelligence and pleasant disposition, she feels inferior to Victoria, 17, her beautiful, self-absorbed sister. Her mother tells Joanne her looks are ``exotic,'' but the 16-year-old knows otherwise after overhearing too many ``geek'' comments from schoolmates. When a blind date ends in a car accident, Joanne's extensive facial injuries necessitate major plastic surgery. The miraculous outcome transforms her into the pretty girl she always dreamed of being, although attention from the ``in'' crowd nearly costs her a cherished friendship. Levy ( No Way Home ; Rumors and Whispers ) retreads the tired plot of an outsider finally realizing the superficiality of the popular crowd. Joanne's obsessions grow wearisome, and her ability to spurn loyalty for apparent shallowness tarnishes her character. Yet as a ``beauty is only skin deep'' story, this does the job well enough. Ages 11-up. (Aug.)