Juniors

Gr 10 Up—Attending an elite private school and having a semifamous actress for a mother don't keep Lea Lane from feeling like an outsider. She is part Hawaiian, part "mainlander," and living in the guest cottage of the wealthy West family only complicates her life further. Lea carefully maneuvers through evolving relationships with her childhood friend Danny, her mother, and especially their benefactors, the inscrutable West clan. Hemmings's writing is expressive and poignant, accurately portraying the oppressive confusion, desire, and self-doubt a teenage girl can face. Jorjeana Marie is always clear and understandable, but her unusual enunciation and breathy tone can sometimes be distracting. Readers will enjoy experiencing a bit of native Hawaiian language and lifestyle, and many teens will identify with Lea's stress as she navigates the high-stakes world of high school dating and friendship.