Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect by D. Anne Love Family Relationships/Forgiveness Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2007, ISBN-13: 978-0-689-87390-4 291 pp., $16.99 10: 0-689-87390-5

When Phoebe's mother decides to pursue a business opportunity that takes her away from home for several months, Phoebe fears that her "picture perfect" family will fall apart.

The different family and personal relationships and their issues that ensue from this situation are well written and defined. Young readers can easily relate to the themes of betrayal, feeling unloved, and distrust. This book is written in first-person narrative by 14-year-old Phoebe, who involves the reader in all the different relationship issues that beset her during the year that her mother is absent from their home. As Phoebe learns, though, such relationships can only grow and thrive when love, trust, and forgiveness are part of the survival equation.

The relevant events and topics contained in this bright new book will capture the interest of readers ages 12 and up.

Peggy Jewell

Wichita, KS

Copyright Assembly on Literature for Adolescents -- National Council of Teachers of English Fall 2007
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