The question of “belief” is  the core of this YA novel, Believe by Sarah Aronson:  belief in one’s self, belief in a memory of the past, belief in the love of family, belief in God and the possibility of miracles, belief in a future of one’s own creation.  Janine Collins is six years old when she is thrust into the headlines as the only survivor of a terrorist suicide bombing that claims the lives of both of her parents.  Her terribly disfigured hands are a constant reminder of her past ordeal. She just wants to be ordinary, valued on her own merit not as political or religious spokesperson, not as the “special” Soul Survivor.  What is the price of being famous?  Every action must be considered as to how it would play out in the press.  Friends, her rescuer, the news media all use her fame to advance their own causes. Everyone has a preconceived notion as to what she should do with her fame, which she totally rejects.   Ordinary anonymity seems impossible.  She is confused as to what to believe in and what is true.  The pursuit of individuality makes Janine sympathetic but also selfish and narrow minded. Her envy of the ordinary seems glamorized.  The issues presented are relevant to teenagers in the angst of who they are and what they stand for. The book is a good read, with  ideas that would make for good discussion.