What would you do if your best friend died? In VICKY ANGEL by Jacqueline Wilson, Jade's best friend Vicky dies in a tragic car accident.  Jade is with her when it happens and can't believe that her best friend is suddenly gone.

Vicky Angel was the most popular girl in school.  She's also Jade's best friend in the whole world---the two were like sisters.  As if losing your best friend isn't enough, Vicky's parents begin acting strange around Jade. Then all of the kids at school start saying Vicky was their best friend too.  The only person who seems to understand what Jade is going through is Fatboy Sam, the class clown.  

Jade doesn't know how she can go on without Vicky.  Then, like an answer to her prayers, Vicky appears to Jade as a ghost.  Jade is surprised, well shocked, to see Vicky. The two catch up and are soon skipping school to go shopping and having fun like they used to.  The only thing is that it looks like Jade is talking to herself.  People begin to look at Jade like she is crazy.  But Jade figures it's a small price to pay for having her best friend back.

At first, it's wonderful for Jade to have Vicky back.  But soon, more problems arise.  Jade never knows when Vicky will appear and what kind of mood she'll be in.  Some days she's moody and mean and won't let Jade talk to anyone else.  One day she tries to talk Jade into jumping off of the subway so that Jade can join Vicky in Heaven.  Jade begins to realize that this Vicky isn't the Vicky she knew and loved.  Jade also begins to realize that she listened to Vicky too much and that she never really developed her own person.

A schoolteacher recommends that she see a counselor although her parents don't like the idea.  Jade soon starts meeting with Mrs. Wainwright.  Mrs. W is easy to talk to and doesn't force Jade to talk about anything that she doesn't want to.  The only problem is that Vicky is sometimes there, guarding over Jade and keeping her quiet.  Eventually Mrs. W is able to break through the silence and help Jade with her situation.

As Jade takes control of the situation, she also begins to take control of other aspects of her life.  She makes friends with Madeline, Jenny, and the other girls that Vicky Angel wouldn't let her talk to.  She also learns that she likes the attention of Sam (without Vicky around, he's no longer Fatboy Sam).

In VICKY ANGEL, Jacqueline Wilson twists the norm and creates a marvelous story about a girl who must find herself and her own path in life---and an angel who finally sees beyond her own world and earns her wings.

   --- Reviewed by Megan Kalan