In June 1982, Prince Charles wed Lady Diana in what was to become the wedding of the century. One year later, a group of students, lead by their teachers, reenact that wedding --- glitz, glam, and all. In GRAVEYARD GIRL, a collection of short stories, first time YA author, Wendy A. Lewis, explores the lives of the participants, post-wedding. And like Prince Charles and Princess Diana, each faces their fair share of problems: births, deaths, successes, and failures.

In "Revelations," Mandy, a.k.a. the royal bridesmaid, faces the death of her mother, a wayward cousin, and a crisis in faith. In "The Puzzle," Naylor, a.k.a. Prince Edward, struggles with haikus, unpopularity, and the mysteries of life. In "Tango," Jewel, a.k.a. Lady Diana, must confront teenage pregnancy, the disapproval of her family, and early marriage.

Although the Royal Wedding aspect of this collection seems a bit contrived (the stories could stand on their own without the wedding glue), Lewis's depiction of life's struggles rings true, as does her understanding of human behavior.

  --- Reviewed by Tammy L. Currier

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