Genre & Themes: Young Adult Modern Realistic Fiction - high school, teen life, rape, sexual abuse
Melinda is a high school girl that has just endured a tragedy in what was supposed to be the time of her life. She was raped. This tragedy has caused her to fall into a deep depression and seclude herself from those around her. This seclusion includes finding solace in an old janitors room. She makes one friend named Heather but even she eventually backs away because she thinks Melinda is just too depressing to be around with. Melinda's anger and sadness worsens whenever she sees her rapist around school, especially because he's the popular guy that everyone loves. What makes matters worse is that IT (as Melinda refers to him) taunts her around school until one day he finds her hiding place and attempts to attack her again. This time Melinda fights back which leads to him getting caught. After this Melinda finally decides to tell her story. This book is about having the strength to overcome tragedies and finding your voice to allow the truth to set you free.
Some awards won by this title:
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults
Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist
IRA Young Adult Choice
Junior Library Guild Selection
Michael L. Printz Honor Book (ALA)
National Book Award Finalist
New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
New York Times Bestseller List
SCBWI Golden Kite Award
YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults
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