“Zoe’s the smartest,” said Vanessa, “I’m the best actress, and you, Winifred Fletcher . . .” she said, turning to Winnie. “You are the best—” Winnie waited to hear what Vanessa would say. It seemed as if Vanessa had to check every cupboard in her brain to find an answer.

How do you know if you’re really good at something and not just ordinary? Can you be the best at something if you really want to? With humor and insight, Jennifer Richard Jacobson captures the complex emotions of jealousy, competition, self-doubt, and, ultimately, self-acceptance.