Age: 7th grade-high school

Although the writing was dismal, I can still see many teens riveted by the dramatic plot and pulled into the story of Val's traumatic experience. While Val is an excellent character, other characters were obnoxious, one-dimensional characters such as the odd appearance of her ridiculously exuberant art mentor at the end of the book. Intriguing plot points were either never discussed or left out including the mysterious person that Nick befriends and the silence of Nick's parents throughout the book. The ending is saccharine but at least it doesn't drag on and it will probably be very satisfying for many readers.

All in all, this is an incredibly useful tool to show teens the power of hate from all perspectives while not presenting an idealistic, unachievable end. Brown structures the book well by pulling you in with the drama then examining the psychological effects of its victims. I also appreciated that the psychiatrist had such a powerful, positive representation in the book.