May 24, 2009

Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia

Leticia, Dominique and Trina all tell their story of one day in high school. Each of the girls started their morning early at school. Leticia is there for an extra math class. Dominique is trying to convince her coach and teacher to let her play in the next basketball game even though she doesn't have the grades. Trina is dropping off her piece of art for the school gallery. All their lives become intertwined at once. Dominique is upset that her coach won't let her play and wants to take it out on someone. She decides on Trina because she skips by Dominique and her friends and shows no respect. Leticia overhears Dominique saying she is going to jump Trina after school. Trina has no idea what is coming. The rest of the book follows each girls' day before Trina gets jumped.
Jumped was a book about what really happens in schools. People are either too scared or don't care enough to tell an authority that something may happen to another student. This book had amazing voice. You knew exactly who the narrator was in each chapter. They were distinct characters with distinct voices. I was very impressed with how well the author expressed the different voices and the reality of school today.

Posted by Lisa at May 24, 2009 1:33 PM