Painting Caitlyn
Grade 9 Up–Caitlyns world is crumbling. Her mother and stepfather are having a baby and her best friend has a boyfriend who takes up all of her free time. Caitlyn feels lonely and left out until she meets Tyler, the boy of her dreams and more. Spending all their time together seems great at first but when he pressures her to cut classes, get a belly ring, and experiment sexually, Caitlyn begins to have doubts. Her friends notice changes in her demeanor, but she refuses to listen and defends Tyler against any criticism. It is not until a physical confrontation at a party that she begins to realize that the happy front that shes been putting up is not real. While the authors message is strong, it is not overpowering, and it illustrates how easily one can become a victim. Peters clearly has her finger on the pulse of teenage dating behavior, and has written an excellent book for any girl who falls prey to a boyfriends abusive behavior.–Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OKCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.