false 4723885 0545004071 9780545004077 157 56 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4723885.Same_Difference 800187 Siobhan Vivian 304 90 4 0 false Fri Oct 10 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Wed Dec 17 14:24:18 -0800 2008 Fri Feb 13 13:28:32 -0800 2009
Emily, a soon to be high school senior living in an upper middle-class
suburban New Jersey neighborhood decides to broaden her horizons by
enrolling in a summer art program at a college in nearby Philadelphia.

Initially Emily struggles to fit in with the other students, acknowledge her artistic talent, and balance her new friends with those who she has known for years.

She is dazed by the clothes, hairstyles, and attitudes sported by her
fellow art students. The individualism they exhibit is a stark contrast to her friends at home who tend to shop at the same stores in the mall, snack at the same restuarants, and generally try to blend in with each other. Ironically in order for her to fit in with this new crowd she will have to begin the sometimes painful journey of self-discovery that adolescents must bear.

This is an especially good coming-of-age novel for fans of Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti. The characters are interesting and believable. Vivian captures the wrenching experience that can occur as friends discover new interests and grow apart. Same Difference will speak to teens in a voice that is authentic and true.
]]>