Montreal teen Pearl is passionate and dedicated both about fashion and the environment. She decides to make a point at her school’s fashion event by up-cycling donated, used clothes in exciting styles. But not everyone, not even some of her friends, is on board with ditching fast fashion for thrift-store creativity.

While Pearl wants to showcase up-cycled and secondhand clothing, her best friend is drawn to the appeal of fast fashion. As they navigate these contrasting ideals, a strong desire to raise awareness about the fashion industry's environmental impact sparks a call to activism.

Balancing the excitement of activism with its challenges, the teens realize that change is harder than it seems. But the friends come together to embark on a journey that celebrates the potential of sustainable fashion.

Lea Beddia is an author, storyteller and educator. Born and raised in Montreal, she now teaches in Joliette, Quebec, where she lives with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing for teenagers, she’s likely watching zombies take over the world, eavesdropping on conversations, or baking something with too much chocolate. She wanted to be a superhero when she was younger, but will settle for creating characters who can change the world. Her missions are to create accessible literature to striving readers, and to find the best gelato on the planet. She will not give up on her quest for either. Visit her at www.leabeddia.com, on Facebook or Instagram @BeddiaLea.

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“…well-written and very realistic… Élise, as the protagonist, is a strong female character that shows the reader what resilient young people can do to stand up for themselves while planning for a successful future... I can’t say enough great things about this book. Highly recommended.”

★★★★★ 5-star review, CM: Canadian Review of Materials, on Outta Here (2023)