Big Mouth & Ugly Girl. 0066237564. Joyce Carol Oats. 2002. Age 15-17. Caucasian Upper Class.

Ursula is nicknamed Ugly Girl and Matt's nickname is Big Mouth. These two have gone to school together for many years, but have never really been friends. One day, Matt was accused of threatening to bomb the school and massacre as many people as he can. Matt finds himself in a lot of trouble with the police and school. Luckily, Ursula heard Matt at lunch and told the principal there was a misunderstanding.

Bullying is prevelant in schools and this book should be used to show how things should be dealt with. Ursula shows what a good young citizen looks like and at age 15-17, they need to see that. This book would lead good discussions about right and wrong and how to treat others.

Everything gets cleared up and Matt is able to go back to school, but that doesn't stop the taunts of the students. Matt's life is turned upside down academically and feels forced out of his position as Vice President of his class and also leaves the school paper. Matt's parents decide to sue the school and while this is going on Ursula and Matt become close friends. Through the lawsuit, Ursula helps Matt make it through the trying times and the lawsuit is eventually dropped. Matt finally gets his life back on track and has his column published in the New York Times.

Unfortunately, this story is all too true. Children can be very cruel and do some things that ruin other's lives. The author really shows how a lie can make things go upside-down for a whole family and how rumors can spread like wild fire. The problem is very clear from the beginning, Matt is being accused of threatening to bomb the school. Throughout the book, there are many events that leads the reader through the book. The author gives the reader some information at critical moments, but doesn't give it all away so the reader is compelled to read on. The themes are clear, lying is wrong and standing up for what you believe in can be powerful. Matt was wrongfully accused and the consequences of this are shown and Ursula stood up for Matt because she believed he was innocent. She made a huge difference in Matt's ordeal.