Marvin Hoffman
This book will cause any parent of young daughters to lose sleep.
—Houston Chronicle, March 11, 2001
Judy Sasges
An appealing protagonist ... her problems are real ... her emotions ring true.
VOYA
For Leslie, trying to survive tenth grade is a constant struggle. Coping with divorced parents, trying to hold on to a best friend who seems to be growing away from her, feeling unpopular at school—all these problems make Leslie bitter and frustrated. She hides her hurt with "inappropriate" clothes and smart remarks. Then she meets Jason, the mysterious new boy in school. Handsome and poised, he seems the perfect candidate to be Leslie's first boyfriend. Leslie is thrilled with the attention, but when Jason at first is interested only in sex and then begins pushing her around, the thrill turns to confusion. Is it love to want to hurt someone with words and fists? Is it love to threaten to blackmail someone with photographs? The more Leslie learns about Jason, the more frightened she becomes. She realizes that she must stand up for herself and the other young women abused by Jason. When her journal describing Jason's abuse is discovered by one of her teachers, Leslie finds the courage to testify against Jason in court. Leslie's Journal reads more like a novel than a teenager's journal, but the format will not deter readers, who are sure to find Leslie an appealing protagonist. Her problems are real, and although Leslie seems very naive for a fifteen-year-old, her emotions ring true. Date rape and abuse are relevant topics for many teen readers. The cover for the paperback edition is compelling. Set in Canada, this first novel by an award-winning playwright offers hope that by placing trust in friends, adults, and one's own sense of right and wrong, justice will win. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P M J S (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2000, Annick Press/Firefly, 176p, Trade pb. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Judy Sasges VOYA, February 2001 (Vol. 23, No.6)
KLIATT
Written in first person, this somewhat dark novel will have wide appeal to the older teen audience but is more suited to public library collections. Leslie, in grade nine going into grade 10, is in desperate need of attention. She is constantly in trouble in school and her home life is not much better. She seems angry at the world and deals with her feelings by acting out and keeping a journal for her English class with the assurance that no one will read her private thoughts. Enter Jason McCready, a totally cool boy who gives her a wink the first time they bump into each other. Soon Jason and Leslie are an item and she is now the envy of her classmates. But on their first date Jason does not take Leslie to the movies like he said he was going to do. Instead he takes her home and gets her drunk. Suddenly Jason is pulling her dress back on, giving her money, putting her in a cab and telling her to leave because his parents are on their way home. It isn't until later that Leslie realizes what happened but by then it's too late; Jason has full control of Leslie's life. One minute Jason is wonderful and caring; the next he is threatening and abusive. Then her English teacher gets ill and the substitute reads all the private journals detailing what Jason has done to her, and Leslie's world shatters. In the end Leslie has to make some tough decisions about herself and her life and what it means to stand up for yourself. KLIATT Codes: S—Recommended for senior high school students. 2000, Firefly/Annick Press, 196p, 19cm, $8.95. Ages 16 to 18. Reviewer: Jamie Lyn Weaver; YA Libn., Geneva P.L., Geneva, IL January 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 1)
School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up-This could be the Go Ask Alice (Avon, 1976) of this millennium. In a journal written for an English assignment, 10th-grade Leslie is completely honest; after all, Ms. Graham has promised never to read her students' work and to keep it in a locked cabinet. The language of this often irritating, often heartbreakingly naive young girl is right on target. Her life could be straight off the WB network; she has a single mom whom she loves but can't communicate with; a dad who recently moved in with his girlfriend; and a wild older boyfriend with whom she is totally obsessed. Fortunately, she has Katie, a steadfast friend who listens to her and believes in her. The relationship with Jason goes bad early on; he gets her drunk, rapes her, and takes Polaroid pictures of her. He is every parents' nightmare: insufferably polite up-front and rich enough to buy his way out of trouble. His behavior becomes increasingly abusive. When Leslie tries to break up with him, he stalks and threatens her. A new English teacher reads the diary and brings it to the attention of the principal, who takes Jason's side. Leslie fears for her life and runs away. This cautionary tale is not easy to read; few of the characters are likable. Most of the adults seem beset with their own personal problems. However, Leslie's voice demands to be heard and readers may learn to avoid her pitfalls. Gripping reading for a mature audience.-Marilyn Payne Phillips, University City Public Library, MO Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Horn Book Guide
Stratton captures the rhythms of teen speech, and the subject matter is treated subtly enough.
Houston Chronicle
- Marvin Hoffman
I came to appreciate Stratton's ability to capture the way a girl like Leslie might succumb to a relationship the reader knows from the get-go is bad news ... This book will cause any parent of young daughters to lose sleep.
Canadian Materials
- Carole Marion
Leslie's Journal is a realistic and thought-provoking glimpse into the mind of a frightened and desperate teenage girl. The writing style reflects Leslie's thoughts and can, in turn, be condescending, derogatory, profane and anti-establishment. Teens will relate to her struggle for independence and her cry for help. This is an exemplary first young adult novel for actor and playwright Allan Stratton.... It fills a gap in the market for books that deal with the dark side of relationships. It is a story of hope and conviction, and one that could give inner strength to any reader suffering from similar circumstances. Recommended.
