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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
Fascinating subject material -- children abusing children -- that was, for the most part, handled really well; the book's got an interesting flashback-style structure that really worked for me, and I ached for both Laine and Leah the whole way through, but I would have liked more. The last thirty pages felt a little rushed to me, and I would have happily read them if they'd been three times as long.
Quite an easy read.. A middle school level of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" type novel with plots that are strangely similar...
Lainey meets Leah, the popular girl on a future path of destruction in 7th grade and feels like the world is complete with her newfound friend. Only after Leah starts to mature does Lainey realize that people don't always change for the better, and that people need to start making decisions for themselves... Before its too late.
4 stars for quick plot progression and character development, specifically for intended lexile reading group
Lainey meets Leah, the popular girl on a future path of destruction in 7th grade and feels like the world is complete with her newfound friend. Only after Leah starts to mature does Lainey realize that people don't always change for the better, and that people need to start making decisions for themselves... Before its too late.
4 stars for quick plot progression and character development, specifically for intended lexile reading group
I read this book because a principal who was involved in banning it from schools was convicted of having child pornography a few weeks ago.
It's incredibly ironic because the central theme of the book is how hiding child sexual abuse destroys lives. Of course sexual predators wouldn't want girls to read this book.
Other people have said this is 16+, but the publisher's guidelines say 13+, and I've recommended it for younger. Yes, it contains dark themes. But sunlight is the best disinfectant. Child sexual abuse thrives because of secrecy, a central theme of this book.
Children who haven't been sexually abused aren't going to be traumatised from reading a book about it, and children who recognise themselves in the book - and there will be some who sadly will - could be empowered to protect themselves, or at least feel less alone. By "protecting" children from learning sexual abuse exists by preventing them from reading this book, we leave children who are actually being sexually abused in the darkness.
It's incredibly ironic because the central theme of the book is how hiding child sexual abuse destroys lives. Of course sexual predators wouldn't want girls to read this book.
Other people have said this is 16+, but the publisher's guidelines say 13+, and I've recommended it for younger. Yes, it contains dark themes. But sunlight is the best disinfectant. Child sexual abuse thrives because of secrecy, a central theme of this book.
Children who haven't been sexually abused aren't going to be traumatised from reading a book about it, and children who recognise themselves in the book - and there will be some who sadly will - could be empowered to protect themselves, or at least feel less alone. By "protecting" children from learning sexual abuse exists by preventing them from reading this book, we leave children who are actually being sexually abused in the darkness.
Another emotionally difficult book (it's about sexual abuse). And now I need to sit my kids down and remind them to ALWAYS TELL SOMEBODY if anything like this happens. No matter what.
One good solid word to describe the book is DISTURBING. It shows a new side of abuse. I admire the author for this and I'm craving more from Jo Knowles now.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I actually found this book enjoyable in spite of the disturbing storylines. I'm reading as research for an article and this is one of my top selections given the ease of the read, the relatable characters, and how tough topics were addressed without graphic detail.
Gripping and heart-breaking tale of friendship and secrets...
Brutally honest and shocking. Not for the faint of heart.