Bookmarked

Gr 9 Up—Camacho has collected dozens of essays in response to a call for reflection on the impact a book has made on the contributors' lives. The three-page introspective essays are organized by themes such as "Beliefs and Ideals," "Hard Times and Hope," and "Identity and Self." Each selection centers on a specific quote from a book that inspired the teen writer. The five themed sections are followed by a set of questions designed to encourage readers to think about, write about, and discuss the essays. It is unlikely that teens will read this book from cover to cover. The format is most appealing to teachers looking for an example of a student essay on a specific quote from a novel. A list of quoted authors, along with a section for teachers, makes the book most useful and appealing. Libraries looking to support reflective writing in the English curriculum may also find this book useful. Showing the impact that books have on teens' lives is interesting, but the book will need hand selling, even for those readers interested in the concept.—Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD