Miss Vernie, the teacher and proprietor, has two other students, Dana and Karen, and Miss Vernie tells them that they are there to learn whatever it is that they need to learn. Just when Chip is hoping for some magic to help her understand her grandma and fit in with her family, she discovers a charm school hidden back in the woods. But mom says they can’t afford the house anymore, and she and the three girls have to move in with Grandma. The author also makes good use of her 1970s setting, incorporating Elvis's death and touching on racial tensions (one of Chip's fellow students at Miss Vernie's becomes the first black girl to enter the pageant) to give the story a strong sense of place., 'Chip reminds me of Jo from Little Women, but the plot has Cinderella tonesâ€¦.Although the 'fairy godmother', rather than working all the magic for Chip and Chip being basically helpless, she offers her guidance, and Chip makes her own luck.Chip (aka Brenda Anderson) isn’t sure how she can possibly stand living with her mean old grandmother in Mount Airy, North Carolina, especially since her daddy, the one who really understood her tomboy ways, has just died. Simply written and engaging, the narrative gathers steam as it travels along to its satisfying conclusion.' - Booklist 'The process of grieving and change is handled realistically in this satisfying novel.' - School Library Journal. The author also makes good use of her 1970s setting, incorporating Elvis's death and touching on racial tensions (one of Chip's fellow students at Miss Vernie's becomes the first black girl to enter the pageant) to give the story a strong sense of place.' - Publishers Weekly ' deals with universal themes such as emotional isolation, intergenerational conflict, self-knowledge, and grief. Simply written and engaging, the narrative gathers steam as it travels along to its satisfying conclusion., 'Poignant, inspiring debut novel of loss, belonging and being true to yourself.' - Kirkus Reviews '.Chip's growth is moving and relatable. The author also makes good use of her 1970s setting, incorporating Elvis's death and touching on racial tensions (one of Chip's fellow students at Miss Vernie's becomes the first black girl to enter the pageant) to give the story a strong sense of place., deals with universal themes such as emotional isolation, intergenerational conflict, self-knowledge, and grief. Â€¦Chip's growth is moving and relatable.

School of Charm by Lisa Ann Scott