Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (abuse mentioned); Violence: PG (school lockdown)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Since her cousin Cal moved in with her family, Hannah, 12yo, has struggled to empathize with him or, sometimes, really tolerate him. She knows that Cal has dealt with a lot of crap – his mother died of cancer three years ago, and his entire life his father has been oppressive and abusive – even more so since Cal’s mom died. Since Cal’s dad made his money by “acquiring” it from unwilling donors, when the police caught up with him, Cal needed a place to stay. Cal knows he struggles – to control his temper, to communicate on any sort of real way, to overcome the abuse. When Hannah’s family starts to fall apart, Cal blame himself, and so does Hannah, even though she knows in her heart that isn’t fair.
Okay – I’m doing an appalling job of explaining Hopkins newest story. She started her career years ago looking at the effects of heroin on a girl’s life. This time she uses her free verse to explore the effects of anger and addiction of the life of a child of addicts. While I don’t love free verse as a writing choice, I totally love Hopkin’s exploration of Cal’s and Hannah’s lives.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
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