The Possibility of Fireflies
Grade 8 Up–Since Ellie's father left, her mother has gotten more and more neglectful. For older sister Gwen, it's a chance to run wild, but Ellie, 14, longs for the attention and support of a real parent. One of the times she returns home to an empty house, she notices a new neighbor, Leo, who is not only older, but also has an air of cool maturity to go with his handsome face. Full of pop-culture references to late-'80s music and fads, Ellie's touching and tender narrative has a lightness of spirit that balances the seriousness of some events. Hints that smoking, drugs, arson, and risky sex are just some of the problems plaguing Gwen leave readers frightened for Ellie, who turns to Leo for answers and help as she finally gives up on her mother. While the seriousness of the situation is clear to readers, the protagonist convincingly manages to convey her determination to be happy and find support. A vulnerability pervades the narrative, never denying the fragility of the characters' circumstances.–Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, COCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.