Ordinary Girls

Reach for this book when you notice the distance between your children widening, particularly if one sibling feels overshadowed by the other's charm or social success. Ordinary Girls is a witty and relatable modern retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, centered on sisters Plum and Ginny. As their family faces financial uncertainty in the suburbs of Harrisburg, the girls must navigate their own clashing personalities and public reputations. It masterfully addresses themes of sibling jealousy, the pressure to be 'extraordinary,' and the realization that the people we live with are often the ones we understand least. For parents of teens, it provides a grounded look at sisterhood that is both sharply funny and deeply empathetic, making it an excellent bridge for discussing family loyalty and individual identity.