Lock and Key

Gr 8 Up—Seventeen-year-old Ruby has been abandoned by her father, her older sister, and now her alcoholic mother. When social services discovers her living on her own in deteriorating conditions, they move her in with her married sister Cora who she hasn't seen in years. Ruby has become independent and mature beyond her years, and has trust issues. The relationship between the characters and their internal struggles are complicated, but their voices carry listeners through the story's arc to a hopeful and satisfying conclusion. These descriptions are often raw and the contrast between Ruby's gritty former life and her new lavish surroundings with her sister and brother-in-law make these scenes even more startling. Jodi Dick does an excellent job of differentiating her voice for each of the characters, making this frank and honest story come to life.—Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA