Parkinson, Sioban, Long Story
Short. Roaring Brook Press, 2011. Pgs. 151. Language: PG-13 (4 swears,
2 ”f”s), Violence: PG-13, Sexual Content: PG
MS, HS. OPTIONAL
14yo Jonathan and his
8yo sister are family. Dad left them and mom turned into an alcoholic.
In an attempt to help his sister escape from being beaten anymore by mom, they runaway
together. Only Jonathan can’t take care of his sister and tries to drop her off
at their father’s home. In the process, he gets caught by the police and
charged with the murder of his mother. Jonathan is read to end it all, but a
social worker comes to his aid and tells him how much his sister needs him. Can
Jonathan find a way to be there for his sister?
The Irish dialect is a little hard
to understand and the content is a little hard to take in. The plot, however, is well-developed and the reader can’t help
but feel sympathy for the characters as they come full circle and learn one of
the greatest lessons in life. Readers who like books with mature content as
found in books by authors like Walter Dean Myers and Laurie Halse Anderson and
deal with self-discovery and dysfunctional families will enjoy reading this
book.
Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public
Library.
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