Friday, March 27, 2015

Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins? by Liz Kessler - OPTIONAL

Kessler, Liz Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?, 280p. Orion and Candlewick Press, 2015. $15.99. PG (kidnapping); 

While daydreaming in a Geography class, awkward and shy, Jessica Jenkins discovers she has an unique ability.  She can make herself invisible.  Could the crystal necklace she got for her birthday have given her this mysterious ability? Jessica, and her best friend Izzy, embark on a journey to help others with her new found "Super Power."  She discovers a secret experiment and crystals with strange powers.  Along the way, they discover that there are two others out there with a recently developed super power. Do the crystals have  anything to do with it?  Surprising friendships are made with Heather, the popular volleyball captain, Tom, the geeky nerd, and Max, the surly school soccer star. When Max is kidnapped, they all must work together and use their special abilities to save him.  They discover the true meaning of friendship, and that they are all Super Hero's.  

The story was a bit slow at the beginning, but as I became more familiar with the character, I recalled instances from my teenage years, the different cliques that formed, and how hard it is to feel accepted by your peers.  It is a story about fitting in, breaking away from preconceived notions about others, and making friends. I liked it. 

EL, MS -OPTIONAL. Reviewer, Tammy

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