Keep Holding On By Susane Colasanti

Noelle's life isn't like the rest of her peers at school.  She lives in a town where most people are well off, Noelle's mother works retail and uses food stamps.  They live in a small apartment and her mother has stopped doing anything for her years ago.  There's never any food in the house, forcing Noelle to make Mayo and Mustard sandwiches.  Because of this she is teased and bullied relentlessly.  Her life basically revolves around going to school and hoping not to be noticed.  It takes something tragic to happen before she realizes that she has more control over her life than she thought... and that maybe she is good enough for that boy who likes her.



I loved this book!!! For the entire first half of it I was on the brink of tears.  I felt so bad that my left hand hurt, which for some reason always aches when I feel really awful for someone!  Even though it was pretty short in length, I think this is an incredibly powerful book.  Definitely a must read for all types of high school kids.

I wasn't bullied in high school, but growing up, I had my moments.  I could definitely relate to some of what Noelle was going through (I think most people that survived HS can).  I had an entire school year where a teacher made fun of me for being small.  Of course the other kids in the class picked up where she left off and I was "Little Michelle" for a whole year.  Everywhere I went people would ask me if I needed a step-stool to reach the blackboard/water fountain/sink etc.  I came home in tears on a regular basis.  But eventually I grew and the kids moved on to someone else.  But I still wonder whatever happened to Miss Mitchell, and why she would do that to a kid. 

In some ways though Noelle was really lucky. She had Sherae, who was like a rock for her, and Simon, and Julian, and even a teacher and a social worker. Not everyone has all that support.  I know the one person she really needed (her mother) wasn't there for her, but at least she wasn't alone.  Also most people who are bullied and outcasted don't get the man of their dreams to ask them out... it just doesn't happen like that.  In the end I was glad that Noelle got a promising ending.  I was happy that I read this book and I hope it gets into the hands of the people who are going through similar situations (and the people like Warner and Carly).

P.S. I have read other books by this author, and this is a definite upgrade!!  Her other ones were too abruptly ended... this one was just right!!


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My Rating:

How I got this book:  Library
Date Published:  5/31/2012