Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Uglier depicts a captivating story of adolescent growth. As Nic Summers begins attending a new school, readers will witness their journey to discover who they really are and applaud their courage as an agender teen. Though some plot points are predictable, most of the story is a touching tribute to coming-of-age angst.
Prose: Vincent's novel possesses a strong voice through teenager Nic, who, even as they're wading through self-discovery, displays a clear sense of their own needs.
Originality: Vincent presents gender identity themes in a refreshing way, and Nic's perspective is both engaging and enlightening.
Character/Execution: Readers will empathize with Vincent's main characters as they experience the uneasiness of adolescence, make mistakes, and mature. Though this novel is a sequel to Vincent's Ugly, readers will glean plenty of backstory to understand protagonist Nic.
Date Submitted: July 04, 2023
Nic is still the same lovable, unwavering hero that she was in Vincent’s last book, despite the cost she suffers for simply trying to be herself. That cost is painful to watch, as Nic’s self-confidence—always intimidating for any teenager—takes blow after blow when people around her are unaccepting and judgmental. Things pick up when Nic meets Mack, a cute boy she instantly connects with, until a local bully picks a hurtful way to tell Nic that Mack was a girl when he was younger, leaving Nic to wonder why she didn’t realize he was trans—and how she can make up for the damaging way she handled the news. Nic’s journey is paralleled with Mack’s in many ways, affording the two several beautiful opportunities to explore themselves—and each other—with empathy and warmth.
As always, Vincent handles character transformations brilliantly, touching on their experiences with grace and a deep understanding of gender fluidity. Nic’s evolution at boarding school is a true rebirth, gifting her with gentle, compassionate friends, a chance to explore her love of art (and even apply for a coveted mentorship), and, most importantly, that elusive self-acceptance that helps her grow into a more confident, assertive teen—culminating with their final realization that they’re agender. Readers will be eager for more of Nic in the future.
Takeaway: A gender nonconforming teen comes into their own in this moving story.
Comparable Titles: Mason Deaver’s I Wish You All the Best, Jules Machias’s Both Can Be True.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
