Peas and Carrots

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 16, 2016

Review

Just like mixed vegetables new foster sisters do not always blend well. Dess has been moved to a stable and loving family where her younger brother has already been placed when their mother goes into protective custody. As a teen she has to deal with her own hostility, resentment and low expectations of this placement. With the gentle support of the foster family members Dess does establish a positive bond with her new family and her foster sister Hope.

Davis takes on a powerful situation, adding several layers of a troubled past. Her adult characters almost seem too good to be part of the foster system yet this story reminds us that society does indeed have lots of good people and loving families. Both teens are portrayed with some passion, a degree of humility, and enough compassion to make the situation and book work. Teen girls will enjoy this look into the minds of teens facing seemly insurmountable issues.

Overall Book Score: very good