Keep Jumping / No Hating

December 1, 2012

Gr 8 Up-This flipbook shows that there are two sides in a relationship. Hallie is a good student and has worked hard to make it on the varsity cheerleading squad. Only she can't tumble. After feeling humiliated at the first home game, she meets Amir. He encourages her to start training with him at the gym where he works. Amir is a strong, quiet honor-roll student. He doesn't play sports, but loves his job teaching gymnastics. His father pushes him hard to become a doctor and keeps him out of organized sports. Amir and Hallie fall for each other right away, but they have other problems at home and school that cause rifts in their relationship. These inspirational stories intend to help teens keep trying and not give up if life becomes too difficult. Written for hi/lo readers, they are full of motivational phrases and advice to get through hard times, covering topics like drug abuse, rape, stalking, and extramarital affairs. This is a good acquisition where Kimani Tru books, "Bluford High" (Scholastic), and "Drama High" (Kensington) books are popular.-Erik Carlson, White Plains Public Library, NY

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