It's about time we got a modern scoliosis story. (Sorry, Judy Blume. I love you and Deenie, but times have changed.)

Rachel Brooks just started seventh grade and has to wear a back brace. As she figures out how to function with a big, awkward turtle shell, she also deals with normal teenager things like friends and boys and soccer and dances. And bullying. Her mom went through the same thing at her age — and had surgery for it — and the "You're so lucky; I had it so much worse" grates on Rachel. The brace makes common things more difficult, but it also helps her deal with her problems head-on. Just because her torso is in a shell doesn't mean the rest of her needs to be covered up. She stands up for herself and kicks ass on the soccer field.

Braced brought back so many memories I didn't know were still locked away in my brain about my time as a 13-year-old with new metal in her spine and a plaster brace to keep her safe. It's the perfect portrayal of this twisty-turny time so many teenage girls go through.

From The Best Books We Read in March 2017 at Book Riot.