(
) This story explores the horrendous underground practice of sex trafficking. It brings together two girls from completely different worlds as they find themselves stuck and enslaved to the brutal men running the show.
Hope is a girl from a very wealthy, prominent family. Oksana is from a very poor section of Russia, and her mother is dead. Oksana is tricked into and then trapped in the prostitution trade. During 'business' travels, Hope tries to help Oksana escape, but only manages to get herself kidnapped by the trade men too.
The author avoids getting too much into the details of the horrible activities that go on in trafficking, but she does spread awareness and shed truth about its horrific nature. The narrative itself is a little unrealistic because Hope is eventually able to get back to her family with nothing more than mental trauma and some scratches, but I suppose that's typical of a young adult book.
(
) I don't dislike many books, as bad quality doesn't usually make its way past a publisher with money on the line. However, this one seems to have snuck through. This is a compilation of 'true stories' about "young people's encounters with the unexplained". In other words, it's a bunch of stories about paranormal stuff in relation to teens. This has the opportunity to be captivating to readers, unfortunately all stories are written in an objective third person by the author with no reference to the true 'identifier' or 'story-teller'. Yes, there is an extensive bibliography, but nothing relating to the
specific experiences described here. It seems they might really be nothing more than made-up stories based on various recorded psychic phenomenons.
The most popular literature always captures a reader's emotions and attention. This book does none of the two, nor do the stories seem to prove 'true' as stated. Do not waste your time unless you enjoy reading really boring, bland books.
(
) This is the world as seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old female, Haitian refugee. She pours herself into her class work and deals with the typical issues of bullying and popularity at school. The catch is that she has far more threatening, secret experiences in her past that she is dealing with. Since then, her only ways of coping have been to quietly damage herself and shut her mouth. Only the surprise appearance of her trustworthy uncle brings anything out, and only then does she start to realize her independence and own will!
Reading stories told from less-common immigrant perspectives are always a joy. This book does that and more by revealing some of the horrors refugees have to live with in their pasts. It's witty, insightful, and personal. Definitely a very enriching, thought-provoking read!
Won the Golden Kite Award
(
) The basic premise of this book is based around a special education teacher and one of her students. The student is a young girl who never responds, even physically, to anything. Tests show she physically can, but won't. The teacher is passionate about her work and never gives up on her, including spending loads of personal time trying to initiate help in the family. She makes small breakthroughs with connecting and initiating rare responses from the child. Soon though, it becomes clear there is some form of abuse occurring in the home. The girl, Venus, is rushed unconscious to a hospital. I won't give away the ending, but it is a great read that is completely realistic in nature and inspiring in its tale.
(
) This story explores the horrendous underground practice of sex trafficking. It brings together two girls from completely different worlds as they find themselves stuck and enslaved to the brutal men running the show.
