Released date: February 2nd, 2012
Number of Pages: 182
How I got this book: library
My rating: 4.5/5
Goodreads Summary:
"A stunning new novel from threetime Newbery Honor–winning
author Jacqueline Woodson.
Laurel Daneau has moved on to a new life, in a new town, but inside she’s still reeling from the loss of her beloved mother and grandmother after Hurricane Katrina washed away their home. Laurel’s new life is going well, with a new best friend, a place on the cheerleading squad and T-Boom, co-captain of the basketball team, for a boyfriend. Yet Laurel is haunted by voices and memories from her past.
When T-Boom introduces Laurel to meth, she immediately falls under its spell, loving the way it erases, even if only briefly, her past. But as she becomes alienated from her friends and family, she becomes a shell of her former self, and longs to be whole again. With help from an artist named Moses and her friend Kaylee, she’s able to begin to rewrite her story and start to move on from her addiction.
Incorporating Laurel’s bittersweet memories of life before and during the hurricane, this is a stunning novel by one of our finest writers. Jacqueline Woodson’s haunting—but ultimately hopeful—story is beautifully told and one readers will not
want to miss."
Review:
This was another work of art by the very talented Woodson (whom I am so excited to get to meet in August when she visits my local library!!)
Laurel falls into drugs like many teens do - quite on "accident." She falls for the handsome, charming basketball jock, after being the "new girl" in town. She had a need to feel accepted, and T-Boom fit the bill. He gives her a taste of the moon, and of course, after that first taste, there is no going back.
It was sad to see how quickly her life went downhill after that - but I felt it was quite an accurate portrayal. It also showed the misery her father, little brother and best friend were going through as they tried to pull her away from her addiction.
Ultimately, it was a streetwise older kid named Moses who saved her life. I really, really loved his character. At first I thought he was a much older man, but he was actually only about 18 years old - just a kid with an old soul.
This was a wonderful book portraying the evils of drug addiction and how difficult it is to reclaim your life once you are in its clutches. Once again, Woodson has created engaging characters, and a beautifully written story. I highly recommend this book!
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