Sorta Like a Rock Star

Gr 8 Up—Amber Appleton is the rock star of hope. The 17-year-old strives to spread happiness to everyone around her, including her autistic friend, Ricky; the old folks at the Center; Father Chee and the Korean Divas for Christ; and a Vietnam vet. Despite the fact that she and her alcoholic mother are homeless and sleeping in a yellow school bus, her glass is always half full. But when her mother is murdered, Amber's faith begins to waver, and she slides into the dark and bitter world of Why? She is happy to stay in her self-imposed cocoon until her beloved dog needs expensive surgery to remove a tumor. Amber organizes, with her friend's help, a successful talent show fund raiser. Father Chee is a solid rock for Amber through the good and bad times, and he is influential in helping her realize she must honor the memory of her mother by moving forward and fulfilling her mother's request: "Grow up and live a better life than your mother could imagine." Matthew Quick's novel (Little, Brown, 2010) is a heartfelt tale of hope and how one person can make a difference in the lives of others. Cynthia Holloway's narration is superb. She rocks as Amber and brings subtle differences to the eclectic cast of characters. A must-have audiobook.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH