Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Chilling book about girl-on-girl violence will leave mark.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
This book is told from the perspective of three urban teens: Artistic, annoying Trina, self-absorbed, self-described "Big Girl" Leticia, and angry basketball-obsessed Dominque. During the course of one day, Trina inadvertently disrespects Dominique, who tells her friends she will beat her up at the end of the school day. Leticia overhears this plan, but decides not to warn Trina about what's coming. And then the attack happens.
Is It Any Good?
Overall, this is a very authentic book that captures the menacing atmosphere of so many high schools. The book's message is subtle here, and some readers may need a parent or teacher's help to get it: At the end, Dominique remains unremorseful about putting Trina in a coma -- but really it's Leticia, who knew of the planned attack and did nothing, that is really at the heart of this book. Her lack of action -- and lack of real caring even in the aftermath -- provide the book's most chilling moments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the high school depiction here. Students have to walk by a police officer to go to school and a teacher is so afraid when confronted by a student that he starts stuttering. How does the school compare to yours? Does this one seem realistic?
This book is a National Book Award finalist. Why do you think it was honored this way? Does it deserve an award?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Amistad
- Publication date : February 24, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 12
- Number of pages : 176
- Last updated : May 23, 2022
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