Jumped is a brief - but jam-packed book about three high school girls in NYC; Trina, Dominique and Leticia. The reader sees events of the story from each girl's perspective to get the "full" story.
Basically, Trina loves herself and is extremely confident. We discover that Dominique and Leticia would say - to a fault. Leticia wants to stay out of it, when she sees an exchange between Dominique and her friends that indicates Trina will get "jumped" after school. Trina is oblivious to this threat. Dominique's motives run so much deeper than an annoyance by Trina...but Trina will be the perfect release for Dominique's rage over being benched for her grades and her frustration with her teacher. So, does Leticia "get involved", as the school's theme song encourages her? Or does Trina get completely surprised by Dominique after school? Or does Dominique find another means of release or just change her plans?
I can't tell you that. It will spoil the ending! But I can say that the richness of the build-up is much more fascinating than the moment of truth - 2:45pm. As an adult reading this, I know what I want to happen. However, truth in writing suggests that the author might choose to unfurl events differently than I might expect. I like that. The message of the story presents young adult readers with an opportunity ripe for discussion - "what would you do?"
A great story. A quick read. A wonderful "teachable moment" opportunity.
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