Life on Hold

Gr 7–10—For 15-year-old Rae Maddox, home is wherever her mother finds a job, and each home doesn't last long. Gina, a manicurist by profession, won't tell Rae who her father is, and won't let her get too close to her grandparents. When they move to Wisconsin, near enough to her grandparents to visit, Rae hopes that she can finally settle down, make friends, and finish high school in one place. She makes two friends, does well academically, and even has a shot at romance. Then the vice principal asks Rae to help new student Allison adjust to the school. At first, Rae is put off by Allison's aloof attitude. As she and her mom learn about Allison's sad story and get drawn into her problems, Rae begins to discover more about her mother and her own troubled past. McQuestion's story (AmazonEncore, 2011) is interesting, and Rae is a typical teen whose main faults seem to be that she is bland enough to blend in wherever she goes and she tends to use a bit of profanity. Emily Beresford's narration is enthusiastic, but at times she is so emotional that it detracts from the story and becomes irritating. Still, this story featuring a strong protagonist who has mastered the art of being the new girl will appeal to girls who are fans of this genre.—MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY