Jumped

Williams-Garcia, Rita. 2009. Jumped. HarperCollins. 168 pages

Zero Period. You got that right. Fail one math test and you're up before the first chirp of day. Up before street-lights turn off and sun rays shoot through the blinds. Fail one math test and you're stepping over a snow-covered homeless lump to get to the stop, shiver, and wait for the city bus to pull up to your boots. (1)

Wow. Rita Wialliams-Garcia not only had me at hello--hooked from the very first chapter--she kept amazing me time and time again. What a book this is!

Jumped is the story of three girls. Three teens who are so very different from one another. But who--on one fateful day--just happen to intersect.

Leticia. Trina. Dominique. One bully. One victim. One witness. (Note, I didn't say who was who!) The book is narrated by all three, they take turns revealing the events of one day in high school. And oh what a world of difference there is in the perspectives! It brings to mind so many questions. As each girl shares her perspective, the reader gets an inside glimpse into her life. A glimpse that reveals the inner struggles and emotional waves that each tries to hide from others--in a way.

This novel made me think, really think, and that's a good thing. I'd definitely recommend this book. It treats the subject of girl violence in a very compelling--always gripping--and authentic way.

© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
If you're reading this post on another site, or another feed, the content has been stolen