The Lit Report
Don't try this at home!
La description
Julia and Ruth have been unlikely best friends since they first met in Sunday school— Ruth was standing on the Bible-crafts table belting out "Jesus Loves Me. " Now that they’re a year away from graduation, they’re putting the finishing touches on their getaway plans. But their dream of a funky big-city loft and rich, interesting older men is threatened when preacher’s daughter Ruth goes to a wild party without studious Julia, and all hell breaks loose.
Ruth gets pregnant; Julia gets creative. Determined to support her friend and stay on track for life after high school, Julia comes up with a plan that will require all her intelligence, compassion, ingenuity and patience. Drawing on some great (and some not-so-great) works of literature, Julia proves that you can learn a lot just by opening up a book.
Récompenses
- Short-listed, BC and Yukon Book Prizes - Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize 2009
- Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books 2008
- Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets 2008
- Nominated, Stellar Book Award 2011
- Short-listed, Canadian Library Association (CLA) Young Adult Book Award 2009
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection 2010
- Short-listed, Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize nominee 2009
Reviews
"Harvey depict[s] authentic relationships. She also reveals, quite wonderfully, the fluid line between family and friends. She opens us up to the joyous unpredictability of life. And through the example of Julia's mother, she demonstrates the transformative power of a gentle, adaptable faith. "
- The Globe and Mail
"Harvey does a good job of capturing the voice of Julia, and Ruth is often a riot to read. The use of language actually spoken by teens. ..gives the book a realistic feel. "
- Quill & Quire
"The story is compelling and will likely appeal to readers. A little bit of drama, a little bit of romance, and a little bit of pop culture makes this book timely and entertaining. "
- VOYA
"An interesting view of teen (hidden) pregnancy, parental reaction and the misguided intentions of friendship. ..Highly recommended. "
- Tucson Unified School District
"A great friendship, good writing, and a unique story. .. definitely has teen appeal. "
- A Patchwork of Books blog
"This is a wonderful story of two friends who find themselves on the cusp of adulthood when they are forced into growing up in a big hurry. "
- Pudgy Penguin Perusals
"A refreshingly original alternative to many of the more angst-ridden teen problem novels. "
- Canadian Children's Book News
"[A] hot-button book that mixes the platitudes of literature with the realities of daily teenage life. "
- CD Syndicated
"This is a funny, moving and realistic picture of the love the friends feel for each other - like sisters - and the faithful support and care the one shows for the other. There is a lot going on in this richly realized novel, and it is even more to the author's credit that there is as much laughter as tears and that the cast is so well considered and portrayed, human beings all. "
- Deakin Newsletter
"A bitingly funny, page turning read. Harvey's characters are witty, graphic and well-rounded, throwing stereotypes out the window. ..High school age students will enjoy this lively story and its excellent dialogue. "
- The Bookmark (BCTLA)
“A terrific story about a strong girl friendship. ..readers will be drawn into her story and will be satisfied with the conclusion. Highly recommended. ”
- CM Magazine
"An original novel of triumph and friendship. It is the kind of book that makes you read long into the night. "
- What If? Magazine
"Readers will enjoy the story. ..[and] librarians will love the literary references. "
- Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee
"Julia's eventful year is both insightful and funny. .. [a] thoughtful take on teen pregnancy made bearable by best-friend support. "
- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Laugh-out-loud portrait of a raucous and intelligent friendship being tested and forced to grow all at once. [Rated Excellent]. "
- Resource Links
"Edgy, earthy - and filled with literary references. ..Julia is a wonderful character with her mixture of practical wisdom and intelligence and her naivete. "
- KLIATT