From the “Not Just Proms & Parties” high-low series for reluctant teen readers and ESL students, which features quick reads, dynamic, character-driven plots, and positive messages for young women.
Life hasn't been easy for Karin's mother – she's done her best to raise a teenage daughter on her own after her abusive husband left. To her mother's credit, Karin is a smart, motivated young woman, who plans to study hard, get a scholarship, and find a great job to support them both. Things are going well, until her mom's beer-guzzling new boyfriend becomes a permanent fixture on their couch. Karin can't understand what she sees in the loud, bossy loser, and doesn't trust him from the start. When he goes from staring creepily at Karin to grabbing her, she knows she has to get out of that apartment. The real challenge will be to convince her mother that she deserves better.
Want to connect with NJPP author, Patricia G. Penny? Email her at njpp@lobsterpress.com.
Extras:
Curriculum Links for the Not Just Proms & Parties seriesRead an interview with author, Patricia G. Penny
Additional Formats:
“... a short creepy novel that teenaged girls will eat up like candy.” – ForeWord, Nov. 2007
“Quick, easy reading with a contemporary theme, sure to be popular with teen girls.” – teensreadtoo.com, Sept. 2007
“These slim paperbacks are sure to appeal to the junior soap opera teen and pre-teen girls ... The book portrays women as bright and hard-working with great career goals yet victim to destructive male/female relationships ... is well-written and looks at issues of relationships and spousal abuse in a thought-provoking manner.” – Resource Links, Oct. 2007
Praise for the other books in the “Not Just Proms & Parties” Series:
“Short and fast-paced, it offers a typical teen dilemma, plus incorporates an important lesson ... Teen girls will appreciate the smooth flowing prose and likable characters. Published as lower-priced paperbacks, the series is also quite affordable for public or personal libraries.” – teensreadtoo.com, Sept. 2007
“... a solid, dialogue-driven story that will keep readers interested in the many affairs of the heart coursing through this novel.” – Montreal Review of Books, Fall/Winter 2007
“... great for the reluctant reader ... While other teen reads dwell on tragedy and darkness, Penny's take on everyday life is a nice bit of light fare.” – CM: Canadian Review of Materials, Dec. 2006
“There are many reasons to recommend the “Not Just Proms & Parties” series to teens and especially to reluctant readers ... short and uncomplicated, but realistic and interesting at the same time ... A quick, easy read with a positive message.” – yabookscentral.com, Aug. 2006
“... vivid in their detail, with dialogue that captured the adolescent female voice that I hear so often around our school.” – Eric Roberts, Teacher-Librarian, Port Hope High School (Ontario)
“Seriously great titles you should check out ...” – Toronto Star, Sept. 2006
