VOYA
The author does not falsely portray teenage life as entirely blissful. Instead, the book captures both the hardships and the joys of teenage life. The charming characters live in a realistic world full of pain, stress, and joy, wonderfully accented with romance. This modern book reads easily, so presumably the story will appeal to teenagers. The thought-provoking story provides life lessons for teens and adults alike. VOYA CODES: 2Q 2P J S (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2001, Atheneum/S & S, 240p, $16. Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Annabel van Holsbeeck, Teen Reviewer SOURCE: VOYA, August 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 3)
KLIATT
Keisha is entering her senior year at Cincinnati's Hazelwood High, still haunted by the recent suicide of her ex-boyfriend. She has no interest in boys now, she thinks, until she meets smooth, handsome Jonathan, the son of the school principal. He's no boy—he's already in college, but he's helping out at the high school as the new track coach. A secret romance blossoms, but when Jonathan gets Keisha to come to his apartment he tries to rape her at knifepoint. Keisha escapes, but her world is shattered, and it isn't until another girl comes to tell her that Jonathan had attacked her too that Keisha overcomes her shame and fear, and lets her family and friends help her. Keisha also realizes that a funny, kind boy in her class has been waiting on the sidelines for her all along. This is the third volume in Draper's series about Hazelwood High that chronicles the experiences of a group of close African American friends, following Tears of a Tiger and Forged by Fire, but it isn't necessary to have read the other titles to enjoy this one. The tone is somewhat melodramatic, but Draper tackles serious issues here, including a young dancer's anorexia as well as the suicide and the attempted rape. The up-to-date dialogue and the real-life problems will appeal to junior high and high school readers, girls in particular; and Keisha, her friends, and their warm, teasing, supportive interactions with each other are appealing role models. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2001, Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, 234p, $16.00. Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick; January 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 1)
School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up-Keisha's senior year of high school is quite an ordeal. Her ex-boyfriend has recently committed suicide; a good friend was killed in a car crash; and she is attracted to the new track coach, the principal's college-aged son. When he begins to make advances, Keisha decides that she is mature enough to date this older man. Jonathan, however, turns out to be more than a smooth talker, and attempts to rape her after a romantic date. Readers may be overwhelmed by the soap-opera feel of this issue-laden world of suicide, anorexia, teen models, divorced or dead parents, homelessness, car accidents, and girl power. There's even a romance that Keisha doesn't see coming, but readers will. Although never didactic or preachy, the issues are there to teach a lesson. While slightly unrealistic, the book still may appeal to readers who love page-turners, as Draper has given her characters life by developing relationships and using believable teen-speak.-Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Aloha, OR Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Booklist
“Moving and triumphant.”
