Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall

September 1, 2007
Gr 7 Up-With a dodge ball soaring toward her head, time slows as Tessa considers all of the trivial things floating through her mind; an Ashlee Simpson song, the wedgie she has from her gym shorts, and the color of the dodge ball. But the final thought she must consider is the question she needs to answerif only she could remember it. At 16, Tessa finds herself in heaven taking a journey through past events in her life while she wavers in and out of consciousness in the hospital. Written in verse, her recollections span her earliest memories as a toddler to her most recent memories leading up to the gym-class accident. Tessa's witty and honest voice tells the story of a girl who struggles to make friends, maintain family relationships, and to be honest with herself. Before she can return from where the accident has taken her, she must face the reality of her life and her role in creating that reality. However, what Tessa discovers is a truth that is far more optimistic and promising than she gave herself credit for. Tessa's journey and authentic voice is one that readers will appreciate. Her tendency to turn a blind eye to the good in others and herself is a trait that many teens have in common. What makes this novel unique is its ability to bring the character to this realization without being preachy or condescending. Funny, thought-provoking, and at times heartbreaking, this story will entertain and inspire readers."Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2007
Sixteen-year-old Tessa is hit during a game of dodgeball, and then sees herself on the floor before heading to heavenor is it the mall? As she goes from store to store, she looks back on her lifethe good, the bad, and the ugly (mostly the last two). Tessa is an angry child. Maybe its because her mother is never quite satisfied with her, or because her father doesnt pay attention, but by the time shes in school, shes making sure others are blamed for her mistakes. Later shes stealing and pulling mean pranks. High school is a series of missteps. When the boy with the nail in his head, who has been with her during her journey back in time, asks why she didnt duck the ball, she has an answer: she thought she had it coming. Although Mass takes a chance by offering readers an unlikable protagonist, albeit one who eventually (and literally) sees the light at the end, this free-verse, emotionally realistic novel will resonate with many.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)