Friction

Rating:
Summary: a pleasant surprise
Review: This book was not at all what I thought it'd be like. It's a great read focusing on middle school students and sexual abuse. When Stacy comes to school at Forest Alternative, she thinks Simon, the teacher, is "a babe". As the story continues, Stacy tells Alex that it's obvious Simon has feelings for her, and not just student-teacher feelings. Alex starts to believe these lies though they aren't true, and Tim, Alex's best friend believes them too and gets jealous. Alex starts to be suspicious of Simon's actions especially on a class camping trip. When she visits Stacy's house and finds out a little bit about Stacy's family, she realizes she has made a terrible mistake - but it's too late. This story makes you want to keep reading and reading, and it show's the importance of believing in what you know is right - a must read!

Rating:
Summary: A Poignant and Interesting Novel
Review: This book was one of the best that I have ever read. It takes you through the life of Alex, and 8th grade girl who I could relate to. She goes to an alternative school, with only one teacher for all her subjects through her middle school years. The teacher's name is Simon, and all of his students think he's awesome. However, when a new girl, Stacey comes to town, she brings things to the students' attention that haven't come up before. Why does he hug Alex? Why did things like this happen, repeatedly? She asks. Stacey challenges the students faith in their teacher, and that's when things get confusing. This book takes you through the class in one year. Although it is short, the theme is so clear, and it really makes you think. E.R. Frank writes in a different way than in her other novels, but this book just proves that she is an amazing author for teens. I would defeniately suggest this book to kids 12 and up, and even some adults. We all need to be more aware of sexual harassment, and this book really shows that.