Once you know this

Reviewed by: Kelley Goodfield - SAD # 55, Hiram, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

Eleven year old Brittany lives in poverty with her mother, brother and grandmother. Her grandmother is sick with dementia, there is never any money, and she has to worry about her mother's abusive boyfriend. At school, Brittany has her good friend Marisol and her teacher Mr. McInnis to help get through each day. When Mr. McInnis pushes Brittany to dream about her future, Brittany has a hard time seeing beyond her family struggles..However, she decides she must come up with a plan to help the people she loves. Brittany shows a lot of courage as she helps her mom realize that she needs to escape her situation. The book tackles tough subjects of domestic abuse, suicide and living in poverty and is written from Brittany's point of view. The topics will resonate with many mature readers giving them hope for the future.

Overall Book Score: very good