I'm So Sure

Gr 6–9—Seventeen-year-old Manhattan transplant Bella Kirkwood is still adjusting to her new life in Truman, Oklahoma. Sure, she's made new friends in Lindy and Anna, and her position on the school newspaper is rewarding, even if her working relationship with Luke, the editor, is frustrating. She's even at peace with her ex-socialite mom marrying a semi-pro wrestler. Just as things are starting to look up, Bella's life takes some unexpected turns. Her stepfather, Jake, is competing in a reality television show for a chance to become a professional wrestler. While Bella deals with unwanted camera crews, her father announces his intent to marry his latest girlfriend. As if things aren't bad enough, Bella's ex-boyfriend, Hunter, re-enters her life, complicating her already confusing feelings for Luke. On top of it all, when someone begins sabotaging the school's prom plans, it's up to Bella to discover the culprit and get her life back in order in front of a nationwide audience. In Bella, Jenny B. Jones has created a realistic, likable, confident, and emotionally grounded character who is not afraid to rely on her faith to help her get through difficult situations. Bella's belief and trust in God is an integral part of who she is; it's natural and unforced, which makes her faith seem like a genuine extension of her character. The novel (Thomas Nelson, 2009) is voiced by Brooke Sanford Heldman who does a good job of distinguishing each character. A solid addition to library collections.–Audrey Sumser, Cuyahoga County Public Library,