Book details
Canary
Description
In this debut novel, a high school girl faces the pain, shame, and uncertainty that come with sexual abuse. With the passing of her mother, Kate Franklin's life unravels at the seams as she loses the only emotional mooring in her family. Her dad shuts down completely, and her brother enlists in the army. Things start looking better when her dad is hired to coach at Beacon Prep, home of one of the best basketball teams in the state. In a blog of prose and poetry, Kate chronicles her new worlddating a basketball player, being caught up in a world of idolatry and entitlement, and discovering the perks the inner circle enjoys. Then Kate's fragile life shatters once again when one of her boyfriend's teammates assaults her at a party. Although she knows she should speak out, her dad's vehemently against it and so, like a canary sent into a mine to test toxicity levels and protect miners, Kate alone breathes the poisonous secrets to protect her dad and the team. The once welcoming community has betrayed Kate, her family is disintegrating, and she's on her own to grapple with whether to stay quiet or speak out and expose a town's hero and destroy her father's career.
Age
12-15
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
400 pages
Why to read
- Engaging Storyline: 'Canary' by Rachele Alpine offers readers a compelling narrative that tackles relevant and sensitive issues such as sexual assault and the pressures of high school life, making it a gripping read from start to finish.
- Important Themes: The book addresses crucial themes like consent, victim blaming, and the importance of speaking out against injustice. These themes are essential for young adults to understand as they navigate their own experiences.
- Character Development: Readers will find the character development in 'Canary' to be profound and relatable. The protagonist's journey is one of growth and self-discovery, which can inspire readers to reflect on their own personal growth.
- Writing Style: Rachele Alpine's writing style is both accessible and poetic, making 'Canary' a book that is easy to get into but also rich in literary quality. The author's voice resonates with authenticity and emotion, drawing readers deeply into the story.