Everything I Was

Gr 6—8—Irene's life is turned upside down when her father loses his high-paying New York City job. Her mother's desire to keep up appearances at times confuses Irene as she tries to understand just how bad the situation is. Eventually, their Upper West Side lifestyle is just too expensive to maintain, so the family leaves the city for Irene's grandfather's farm in upstate New York. Out in the country, Irene begins to thrive, making friends and building a strong relationship with her grandfather—the only adult she feels truly listens to her. While the issues in this book are relevant and reflective of true teen experiences, its audience is hard to pin down. Irene is 13, yet her developing relationship with Jim, the boy next door, and the inclusion of a few expletives might not be suitable for some younger readers. The overly dramatic attitude Irene displays while trying to wrestle with all the changes in her life might seem too juvenile to some readers. In areas where many children are experiencing a similar downsizing in their family's lifestyle, this book could find its niche with readers who can identify with the protagonist.—Amy Commers, South St. Paul Public Library, MN