Outside In

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 1, 2014

Review

The author, Canadian, has written more than a dozen books for young readers, received a number of literature awards,and has had her books translated in Europe, Japan and China. Outside In is brief, just over two hundred pages, a highly readable story about likable , thirteen year old Lynn who has an unreliable, "free-spirited" mother who keeps her daughter's home life completely unstable. Lynn relies on her close friendship with two classmates until she accidentally meets another girl who lives in a most unusual family that has a very different kind of life. Presented realistically up until this point in the story, the novel now borders on fantasy as Lynn gets to see an "outside in", alternate and perhaps saner way of living than her own. Readers who stay with the story, those with a willing suspension of disbelief and guided by an adroit author will be rewarded. Recommended as an unusual and appealing story for junior high aged girls.

Overall Book Score: good