How Not To Disappear

Gr 9 Up—Hattie's summer has begun with an unexpected event: she's pregnant, and her best friend Reuben is the father. The problem is that Reuben has disappeared to travel the world, and Hattie doesn't know how to tell him the news. Her other best friend, Kat, is in Edinburgh with her new girlfriend and seems to be too busy to share in Hattie's dilemma. Suddenly, Gloria, the great-aunt Hattie didn't even know existed, comes rushing into Hattie's life with her flurry of wild outfits, a fondness for drink, and some dramatic secrets. Gloria has been diagnosed with dementia, so she enlists Hattie to drive her to locations from her past in order to reconcile herself with her memories before she forgets. What Hattie doesn't know is that this strange road trip into Gloria's past just may be the key to Hattie's future. Hattie's voice is quirky but relatable, and through her, we see the difficulties she faces as she contemplates a decision that will alter her life forever. The odd bond between Gloria and Hattie is humorously depicted, believable, and touching, especially at the story's climax. Teens will enjoy the unique characters, the relationship dynamics between Hattie and Gloria, and the surprise plot twist.