Be forewarned: this YA novel is honest, hard hitting and poignant...and extremely controversial. My hope is that (if I ever have children) I wouldn't have to let my child read this; that her life experience would be protected and happy, free from the pressures that kids really do face regularly. I'm an idealist.
To be slightly graphic, I understand that Wittlinger wrote this novel in response to a common myth among junior high kids who believed the bill of goods Bill Clinton tried to sell us years ago about what "is" is...and what "sexual relations" are. I'm trying to keep this blog PG. So, this book is not PG. Definitely one parents should read before their child does and talk to them about it.
The message is excellent for kids, especially those who are being manipulated and used and lied to; an encouragement to recovering victims. The novel is beautiful written, using prose and poetry from a strong, honesty and less-than-perfect protagonist (the title character). In short, this is an excellent novel...but it pulls no punches and isn't for the weak of heart.
In short - if you can't handle it or find the subject matter "inappropriate" or "distasteful", don't read it. But it's worth the read if you can get past your hangups and realize that kids do face this kind of thing today...and something should be done.
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