Bruises

Rating:
Summary: Heartbreaking yet hopeful story
Review: This is an incredible book. The main character, Judith, is a young girl with great responsibilities and secrets to bear. Judith takes care of her younger brother, their home, shopping, and her schoolwork all at a tender age. Her mother seemingly cherishes her son, but despises Judith despite her every effort to do things the right way to please her mother. Nothing is ever enough and the abuse rains down on Judith. She endures more than one thinks she can and continues to try to do the impossible- please her mother. A bright spot in her life is her friendship with Michael, a boy in her class. He invites her over frequently for lunch and she sees what a loving home looks like. As is common in cases of parental abuse, Judith keeps her secret. But in keeping the secret she has to miss school to hide her bruises. This attracts the attention of her caring teacher who attempts to meet with her mother to no avail. When Judith moves away unexpectedly, all appears lost. A nosy neighbor tells Michael the shocking truth and he is on a quest to find Judith- to save her.