The Lonely Ones

Starred review from February 1, 2016
Still reeling from the effects of the recession that has thrown her family into financial turmoil and the loss of her best friend, who moved away, high school student Fain Frederick seeks solace in the only place she can find it: her own imagination. Whether she is writing or embarking on nightly adventures with magical creatures, Fain's rich imaginary life, much like Max's in Where the Wild Things Are, provides the elusive comfort she craves but cannot find in reality. It's only when the unexpected possibility of a new friendship (or perhaps even love) presents itself that Fain dares to consider abandoning her imaginary life for one in the here and now. Spare and poignant, every word of this haunting and elegant novel in verse feels painstakingly selected. It is the perfect medium for Fain to share her story. Readers will hold their breath as the vulnerable and endearing Fain navigates the treacherous minefields of both teen relationships and familial bonds in search of love and a sense of belonging. Like footprints, each poem reflects a step along Fain's journey. There is no excess here. There are no distractions. Fain's story is simply a brilliantly crafted coming-of-age novel that will appeal to the hearts and minds of all readers who have ever felt alone. (Fiction. 12 & up)

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March 1, 2016

Gr 6-9-On the brink of adolescence, Fain Fredericks escapes from the painful realities of home and school. By night she fantasizes about going on journeys with monstrous creatures whom she rules as queen, and by day she seeks solitude at an abandoned quarry where she can brood and write. Her father is unemployed, her mother is tired and bitter, her older siblings are caught up in their own lives, and her best friend is gone. Fain feels invisible and bereft of the inner resources to cope with taunting schoolmates and uncertain boy/girl relationships. When her writing talent is recognized by a kindly teacher who enters her story in a contest, she gets the chance to shine, but circumstances overshadow her triumph. The challenge of new relationships, a disastrous party, and a crisis with her little brother converge as Fain struggles to find the courage to leave fantasy behind and embrace change. The lyrical free verse style moves the narrative swiftly along, and readers should be able to recognize Fain's nocturnal fantasies as a metaphor for her longing to escape her confusing feelings. VERDICT Gorgeous writing distinguishes this short, but not shallow, read.-Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

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