The thief and the beauty queen

Abstract

The Thief and the Beauty Queen is a middle-grade novel told from the perspectives of two eleven-year-olds, Landon and Cora—one known for theft and the other for social media fame—who must collaborate to mend their tarnished reputations. Aimed at readers aged 8-12, the story reflects the modern pressures young people face in balancing their online personas with their real-life identities. Drawing from my nineteen years of teaching experience, I sought to create a narrative that emphasizes authenticity and accountability, illustrating that we are not defined by others' perceptions. The novel appeals to readers by incorporating two alternating narrative voices. The plot tackles timeless and contemporary issues, such as child crime, social media challenges, and working-class economic hardship. As a New Realism novel that tackles controversial topics, my story distinguishes itself from what critics of children's literature have called "problem novels" by presenting complex themes without oversimplification. This thesis is an excerpt from my larger novel, The Thief and the Beauty Queen. These 99 pages establish Landon's desire to leave his stealing past behind and Cora's frustration with her mother, who is obsessed with helping Cora achieve viral fame. Metafiction is woven into the text by having both narrators directly address young readers with the pronoun “you,” compelling readers to navigate the conflicting points of view presented. The reader becomes Landon’s and Cora’s confidant, as each narrator shares their fears and dreams. Ultimately, The Thief and the Beauty Queen addresses the contemporary issues that resonate with today's youth.