The Book of Broken Hearts
Gr 8 Up-The youngest of four sisters and a recent high school graduate, Jude Hernandez is responsible for caring for her father, who was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. His excitement at finding his old motorcycle in the garage gives Jude an idea: if they restore it, maybe it will help restore his lost memories. As an added plus, it keeps them at home and away from her father's potential public meltdowns, which are growing more frequent. Together, they hire the cheapest mechanic they can find-Emilio Vargas. But the hitch is that her older sisters hate his older brothers and made Jude swear an oath to never get involved with a Vargas. The teen is finding it harder to ignore what a great guy Emilio is, and how patient and kind he is with her father. But as the motorcycle project nears completion, her father seems more lost than ever. This is a poignant look at how hard it is to witness a loved one lose memories. Jude tries hard to be everything to everyone, including her family and former good friends, without much support from the latter. Through it all, Emilio stands by her, and the revelation that he is also no stranger to heartbreak helps cement his trustworthiness in Jude's eyes. While the oath is a little overplayed, the feelings Jude has are not, and teens will identify with her struggle.-Kelly Jo Lasher, Middle Township High School, Cape May Court House, NJα(c) Copyright 2013.  Library Journal. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.