Book details
Returnable Girl
Description
"A powerful rage came over me and before I knew it, I was throwing things around my room. Everything! All of the things that Alison had given me…But that wasn't enough, and more than that, it wasn't working. I realized I needed to do something REALLY BIG this time."Abandoned. That's how Ronnie Hartman feels after her mother and Kenny, her mom's good-for-nothing boyfriend, move to Alaska, bringing Ronnie's two younger brothers with them and leaving her behind. Now thirteen years old, Ronnie has been "returned" from multiple foster homes because of her impulsive lying and stealing. Her latest foster mom, Alison, is Ronnie's very last chance-if she doesn't want to end up in some awful residential treatment center.Meanwhile, Ronnie wants more than anything to fit in with the popular crowd, especially with the beautiful (but stuck-up) Paige. But when Ronnie betrays her only friend, a chubby outcast named Cat, she begins a pattern of deception that can only end in disaster. As Ronnie struggles to define herself, an important letter will present her with the most heart-wrenching decision of her life: to accept the woman who wants to adopt her, or to return to the mother who once abandoned her.
Age
12-18
Text complexity
proficient
Length
240 pages
Why to read
- Exploration of Adoption and Foster Care: 'Returnable Girl' delves into the emotional and psychological complexities of a teenager navigating the foster care system, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by foster children and the impact of adoption.
- Character Development: The protagonist, Ronnie, is a well-crafted character whose journey of self-discovery and search for belonging is both compelling and relatable. Readers will be drawn to her resilience and growth throughout the story.
- Themes of Resilience and Hope: The book offers an inspiring message about the power of resilience and the possibility of hope, even in difficult circumstances. It encourages readers to believe in the potential for positive change and personal growth.
- Engaging and Emotional Storytelling: Pamela Lowell's writing style is engaging and captures the emotional nuances of Ronnie's experiences. The story is thought-provoking and can evoke a strong emotional response, making it a memorable read.