THE FIRST OF HER KIND

About the Book

Mara Moseley's decision to study auto mechanics threw a monkey wrench into the engine of her life. Her sisters say going to a vocational high school is beneath her. Mara had expected to be welcomed by the guys in her shop class with open arms-in fact she'd worried that those arms might be a little too open. But to her consternation, the guys in shop look at her as a lemon.

Why? Why? Why? Mara's reflection in the mirror assures her she is a pretty, shapely girl. Of course her shop coveralls disguise the shapely part, but there's nothing she can do, nothing she wants to do, about being a girl.

Nobody seems to approve of her goals, her choices, her self! Her path is filled with roadblocks: hostile teachers, zero social life, a friend's pregnancy. Mara has a great big headache. How is she going to recharge her batteries and hold true to her course?

"This book will inspire teenage girls to pursue learning in male-dominated fields."
-Frances Taormina, former librarian, Norman Thomas High School, NYC

" Realistic situations that are as up-to-date as the news."
-Gerry Lockard, Adjunct Lecturer, Queensboro Community College, NYC

"A great read!"
-Mary E. Kennedy, parent of 5th and 9th grade girls

About the Author

Muriel Bart taught at a vocational high school which resembles her heroine?s John L. Lewis High. Ms. Bart?s been a columnist for both School Library Journal and Booklist, and has authored articles and reviews. Her short stories appear in two anthologies: N.Y. Life Times Ten and City Views, City Visions. She divides her time between New York City and the Berkshires.