Rhino

Annie, almost 15, hates her nose, especially since a vindictive classmate has started calling her Bump. Despite assurances from her loving family and handsome boyfriend, the girl wants to get a nose job, her determination boosted by a dream starring an encouraging Barbra Streisand. But first Annie must convince her parents and grandfather (whose blessing is equally important) that she needs rhinoplasty--which, given the operation's substantial expense, requires Annie's utmost persistence and ingenuity. Klass ( Kool Ada ) handles the topic of self-acceptance with grace and humor, and through Annie's honest, present-tense narrative, she acknowledges the undue but keenly felt emphasis society places on physical appearance. The title lacks appeal, but anyone contemplating plastic surgery might be willing to overlook what is, after all, only a cosmetic flaw. Ages 10-up. (Nov.)