The Taming of Lilah

Gr 9–11—Lilah May, 15, has anger-management issues due to the disappearance of her older brother, Jay, two years earlier, for which she feels responsible. She is now faced with an overprotective mother who checks in with her every time she visits a friend's house. In defiance of her parents and teachers, Lilah May dresses in black, acts out in class, and refuses to respond to offers of help. Throughout the book, she shares entries from her "Anger Diary," showing insight into her behavior but unwillingness to change. But her best friend's crisis-she is pregnant by Lilah's friend Adam-helps her learn to control her feelings. She realizes that she had neglected Bindi, and that she was lonely. Bindi's difficulties are a setup for a planned sequel. Although it is evident to readers that Lilah May did not contribute to her brother's problems, her resentment and guilt are relatable, and teens will keep reading to find out what happened to Jay. While the level of the writing and the cover illustrations may attract younger readers, the subject matter makes this British import a better fit for older readers.—Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH