The Cat Ate My Gymsuit (1974)

I hate my father. I hate school. I hate being fat." Like a lot of teenagers, thirteen-year-old Marcy lacks self-confidence and feels she's beset with problems: she's afraid of her father, she's convinced she's so fat that she'll never have a date, and she is bored at school. Then along comes Ms Finney, a refreshing new teacher, and life for Marcy takes on a new meaning. When Ms Finney is suspended because of her controversial teaching methods, Marcy helps to organise a protest and is herself suspended. But, although fiercely opposed by her father, she is able with her new-found confidence to take a stand and fight for what she believes is right. Paula Danziger's novels are already bestsellers in the States. Her immediate style, sympathetic eye for the ups and downs of teenage life and humourous approach will ensure that she is just as popular with British readers. --back cover