Author: Sherri Winston
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Looking for True by Tricia Springstubb
The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden
Rating:
Summary (provided by publisher): Sharkita “Kita” Hayes is always waiting.
Waiting for her mama to mess up.
Waiting for social services to be called again.
Waiting for her and her siblings to be separated.
Waiting for her worst fear to come true.
But Mama promises things are different now. She's got a good job, she's stopped drinking, stopped going out every night-it's almost enough to make Kita believe her this time. But even as Kita's life is going good, she can't shake the feeling that everything could go up in flames at any moment. When her assistant principal and trusted dance coach starts asking questions about her home life, Kita is more determined than ever to keep up appearances and make sure her family stays together-even if it means falling apart herself.
As the threat of her family being separated again circles like a shark in the water, the pressure starts to get to Kita. But could it be that Kita's worst fear is actually the best thing that could happen to her family . . . and to her?
My opinion: We know, from the start, that things are not going to end the way that Kita want them to. Her situation is too unstable. So we can largely predict where this book is headed. That's okay. It's more about the path than the end point. We have a plot with strong characters who are realistically portrayed. They make mistakes, keep secrets. While the ending has some idealized moments, it isn't too unrealistic for a middle grade audience. While the scenario may be too intense for some kids, for most this will be a solid read.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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