Book details
Dee Benson - Author
This is a lively diary-style coming-of-age story about crushes, friendship and self-image. Lara’s attempt to change herself for attention creates pressure, while football, humour and her relationships help shape her journey.
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The book presents this favourably.
Talk about: Does Lara’s idea of a “glow up” change as she learns more about self-worth and identity?
How the book presents it: The book presents this favourably.
Talk about: If Lara’s friends disagree with her plan, how does she respond, and does their support change?
How the book presents it: The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
Talk about: Does Lara find a trustworthy way to balance private self-expression with online privacy?
It may offer a recognisable way into conversations about feeling different, wanting to fit in and managing insecurities.
Consider whether discussions of appearance, body image or trying to seem perfect might feel particularly personal. The book treats these experiences with humour, but the emotional effect and ending are not fully clear.
What does Lara discover about changing herself for someone else, and how do her friends influence that process? You could also ask whether the online diary feels empowering, risky or both.
Try reading it alongside a conversation about online privacy, appearance and self-worth. Pause after Lara’s glow-up idea to ask what she hopes will change, then revisit whether her expectations match what follows.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
Limited information
Checked: 19 September 2026.
Relevant to: Self-worth and appearance; Friendship and support; Privacy and online journalling
Limited information
Checked: 19 September 2026.
Relevant to: Self-worth and appearance; Friendship and support; Privacy and online journalling
Glow Up, Lara Bloom: the secret diary of a teenage catastrophe! - Dee Benson - Google Books
Limited information
Checked: 19 September 2026.
Relevant to: General book context
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
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