What Joa is Reading & Other Stuff

Book reviews...from picture books to adult books, as well as books-to-movie info, and other stuff I think is interesting. Note: Not all books reviewed or recommended are appropriate for all ages.
MARCH 17, 2012
Another good book by Helen Frost
I checked out the new novel, Hidden by Helen Frost, as I had so enjoyed the book Diamond Willow, another novel in verse by Frost. I was not disappointed.

This new book tells the story of two young teen girls, Wren and Darra, who arrive at the same camp one summer. Although relative strangers, they quickly realize that they are connected through the worst event in each of their own lives: Wren was unintentionally kidnapped as a 8 year old girl when Darra's father stole their family car after a botched robbery attempt.

Written in poetry form, the first half of the book tells about this childhood incident...Wren hiding in the back of the car, and later a boat in the garage, while Darra and her mother tried to grasp what was happening. When the girls connect at camp in the second half of the book, there are unresolved feelings--Wren is grateful as she knows that years earlier Darra brought her food and water, Darra is angry and sad about the loss of her father, in spite of his crime and abusive nature. Throught the summer, the girls work out this bond that neither of them chose, while keeping the secret from the other campers.

Both girls are likeable characters, and show strength in their own individual ways. Because of the poetry format...and somewhat suspenseful storyline, this is a fast read. I highly recommend this to tween, teen and adult readers.

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Categories: Joa RecommendsRealistic Reads

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