A Different Kind of Beauty

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Powell,
Ohio.

In this sequel to Bringing Up Beauty (1994), Elizabeth has taken on the
challenge of raising another guide dog for Canine Vision. She is also
trying to give up romantic thoughts of her ex-boyfriend Scott, who has a
new girlfriend. Elizabeth’s sister has moved back home, and her
parents are trying to deal with the fact that she has a baby on the way.
Despite her worries, Elizabeth is happy, high-spirited, and full of
hope.

Elizabeth’s story is contrasted with that of another teen in her
school, Kyle. Kyle has recently lost his vision. He is understandably
angry, frustrated, frightened, and lonely. He hates having to depend on
other people, and he is making dangerous choices. Inevitably,
Elizabeth’s and Kyle’s stories come together, as Kyle learns what a
positive experience it is to have a guide-dog companion.

Elizabeth’s energy and enthusiasm are captivating and the reader will
enjoy her positive character. It is easy to sympathize with Kyle’s
plight, but the supporting characters (especially the parents) are
rather stiff and superficial. The plot is predictable, but it will be
enjoyed by preteen girls, especially those who love animals and those
who enjoyed the first Beauty book. This is an important book to include
in library collections for its subject matter: the challenges and
responsibilities of fostering a guide dog, and the importance of such
work to the lives of people who need these animals. Recommended.