Hardback or paperback? hardback
Synopsis Samantha, a popular girl, is killed in a car accident--and then relives the last day of her life 7 times.
Evaluation Beautiful writing and definitely thought-provoking.
Universal Themes death, friendship, love, responsibility
Edginess Factor Teen drinking, smoking, drug use, and sex, plus language.
Bonus Factors Should make teens think about how their actions affect others, and how thoughtless cruelty is still cruelty. Raises some class issues. While the anti-bullying message is pretty clear, it's drawn in shades of grey, allowing characters to be complex.
Anti-Bonus Factors All main characters are white. In fact, all minor characters are white, too.
Will They Like It? Girls will; I doubt guys would. It's a fast and fascinating read, and it's very interesting watching how Samantha's altered actions on each of the seven days change--or don't change--the people around her.
Recommendation Not suitable for age group. I think this would be a terrific choice for book clubs for older kids--maybe 10th grade.
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