SYNOPSIS:
From debut author Amanda Maciel comes a provocative and unforgettable novel, inspired by real-life incidents, about a teenage girl who faces criminal charges for bullying after a classmate commits suicide.
Emma Putnam is dead, and it’s all Sara Wharton’s fault. At least, that’s what everyone seems to think. Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma’s shocking suicide. Now Sara is the one who’s ostracized, already guilty according to her peers, the community, and the media. In the summer before her senior year, in between meetings with lawyers and a court-recommended therapist, Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment—and ultimately consider her own role in an undeniable tragedy. And she’ll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.
With its powerful narrative, unconventional point of view, and strong anti-bullying theme, this coming-of-age story offers smart, insightful, and nuanced views on high school society, toxic friendships, and family relationships.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHECK IT OUT?
Bullying and the damage it causes is the latest hot topic in books and the news—which is like, duh! Get with the program, people! High school is full of bullies and always has been. Took society long enough to notice and start doing something about it, right? What that means is that there is a glut of bully-books coming out. We’re always looking for ones that feel true to the reality of what teens have gone or are going through.
Toxic friendships are always fascinating, and more girls need society to let them feel comfortable without measuring themselves by their relationship status—or lack thereof. Moreover, we hope that there are any positive girl-friendships represented here for a change, too.
At the end, the author includes a list of anti-bullying resources, which at least one bullying book neglected. So, good on her!
The cover draws attention to the line “We didn’t mean to hurt anyone”, suggesting that the characters might realize that there’s more to pain than the physical side. And that emotional bruises and cuts can run much deeper.
EARLY REVIEWS SAY…
It’s to the author’s credit that she doesn’t make Sara immediately sympathetic… (Publishers Weekly)
An intense examination of bullying… An emotional, deftly paced and heartbreaking first novel. (Kirkus Reviews)
NECESSARY DETAILS
YA Contemporary
Hardcover & ebook, 336 pages
Published on April 29th, 2014 by Balzer + Bray (ISBN 0062305301)
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/books/Tease-Amanda-Maciel/