Some Kind of Animal

June 1, 2020
Fifteen-year-old Jo's already strange world is upended when her history begins to unravel around her. Jo never actually knew Jolene, the mother she was named after, having been raised mostly by her tough but caring Aunt Aggie in their economically depressed, opiate-ravaged Ohio town. Years ago, Aggie left her own religiously devout, abusive mother's home, taking her niece with her. Jo learned early on not to talk about her sister, a feral girl whom she calls Lee and with whom she spends most nights running in the woods. Lee first appeared to her at the edge of the woods when Jo was 5, but no one else believes she is real. The novel weaves a complex first-person narrative that incorporates Jo's family trauma with the secrets of the past and her current difficult experiences as she and her best friend, Savannah, navigate adolescence, all the while meditating heavily on themes of feminism and religious and societal judgement. The gritty realism of the propulsive mystery at times gives way to elements that feel both horrific and unrelentingly grim, but its winding path will hold the rapt attention of readers who favor the macabre. All main characters seem to be white. Jo's and Savannah's feelings for one another at times move beyond friendship, and they've dealt with some homophobic harassment. A compelling, unpredictable, and uncompromisingly dark debut. (Thriller. 14-adult)

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Starred review from August 1, 2020

Gr 9 Up-A nonstop mystery thriller that will keep readers on their toes. Jolene is almost 18. She wants nothing more than to leave her small town and start a new life with her sister, Lee. The problem is that no one even knows her twin sister was ever born. Jolene has kept the secret of her sister's existence since the age of five; but when Lee attacks a teenager in the woods, people in town start to ask questions. Jolene must unravel secrets from her family's past and find a way to keep her sister safe. Action packed from beginning to end, this novel keeps readers guessing throughout. A great choice for any readers who enjoy thriller and mystery movies or TV series. Romasco-Moore moves the story along in such a way that it's hard to stop at the end of each chapter. The teens' actions and perspectives ring true, which young adult readers will appreciate. It's a raw and beautiful portrait of a sister's love and the secrets of our lives. VERDICT A standout that will circulate well in any high school library. Strongly recommended for fans of mysteries and dramatic thrillers akin to Natasha Preston's The Cellar.-Elizabeth Pelayo, St. Charles East H.S., IL

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