Autumn 2005 Review:

        Grace was turning 13. It was the day before her big party, when her older brother, Collin, burned his draft card, even though he knew it was against the law. This was such an embarrassment and surprise to their dad that he kicked Collin out of the house, and there was nothing Grace or her mom could do about it. What Daddy says, goes. Grace thinks she won't miss Collin, because he ruined her party, and she never really thought they were that close. But she finds herself in his room, his empty room, wishing he were there. On top of that, her parents aren't speaking to each other. So she runs away to her grandma's house, planning to only stay for the rest of the day, but both her parents find her there, and they stay. She ends up bonding with her cousin, who's brother went to war, and she gets different views on war. While all this is happening, her mom, who supports Collin, is helping him run away to Canada. Will her parents ever make up? Read this story about a heartbroken girl who has to choose between her parents and find out.

        This book was pretty well - written. All the sentences were written accurately, and they all made sense. At some parts, like the flashbacks, it was a little confusing. You couldn't tell when the flashbacks ended. I would recommend this book to high school students, because some middle school students may get confused at some points. All together, I thought this was a very well - written book, and a wonderful story, that puts you on the edge of your seat!

~ Lindsay Basile, Grade 8, Boardman Center Middle School