Big Mouth and Ugly Girl by Joyce Carol Oates - Young Adult - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Big Mouth and Ugly Girl / Joyce Carol Oates

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780007145737

Overview:
Big Mouth and Ugly Girl is Joyce Carol Oates’s first young adult novel, celebrated for its realism and emotional honesty. Set in a small town, it follows Matt Donaghy, the class joker, and Ursula Riggs, the misfit loner, as a crisis erupts when Matt is arrested on a charge of threatening to blow up the school. Ursula sees through the hysteria, testifying to his side of the story, and a fragile friendship begins as they navigate rumors, loyalty, fear, and courage. This paperback is a powerful read for teens and thoughtful adults alike.

About the Books:
Joyce Carol Oates crafts a sharp, compassionate portrait of adolescence under scrutiny. Big Mouth and Ugly Girl follows two misfit teenagers whose unlikely alliance reveals the truth beneath rumor and fear. Matt Donaghy, the class joker, becomes the target of hysteria after a shocking accusation, while Ursula Riggs, the quiet observer with a sharp eye for hypocrisy, discovers the courage to speak out. The narrative tension rests not on action-packed thrills but on character, choice, and the slow erosion of trust in a community that wants easy answers. Oates balances humor and heartbreak, sliding between wit and raw vulnerability as Ursula and Matt confront isolation, friendship, and the moral weight of standing up for someone you barely know. The tone blends realism with lyrical, almost intimate prose, inviting readers to consider how loud judgments drown out quieter truths. Readers will find themselves rooting for small, brave acts—like a whispered confession, a late-night phone call, or a moment of shared silence that binds two very different beings. The book examines themes of loyalty, the ethics of truth-telling, and the fragile intersections of teen mental health and social stigma. Its portrayal of a community in upheaval feels timeless and timely, making it suitable for high school readers, book clubs, and fans of contemporary realism. A thoughtful, page-turning experience, it rewards rereading as perspectives shift with new information and deeper empathy.

Key Benefits:

• From award-winning author Joyce Carol Oates.
• A gripping, character-driven look at friendship.
• Perfect for high school readers and book clubs.
• Timeless themes of loyalty and truth.

About the Author:
Joyce Carol Oates is an American, prolific writer whose work spans novels, short stories, plays, and essays. Renowned for her incisive examinations of identity, violence, and society, she has shaped generations of readers and critics. Oates teaches literature and creative writing, and her vast bibliography includes acclaimed works across genres, from literary realism to coming-of-age drama. Big Mouth and Ugly Girl marks her foray into young adult fiction, bringing the same piercing social insight and emotional honesty that characterizes her best-known novels. Her unmistakable voice gives this title lasting authority in both classrooms and libraries.

Why You’ll Love This Book:
Whether you’re a teen reader, a teacher, or a book club member, this standalone YA novel offers depth, empathy, and discussion-worthy themes. The clean, accessible paperback format makes it a ready addition to school libraries and home shelves alike, while Joyce Carol Oates’s unmistakable voice ensures a memorable, lasting reading experience.