The Rules for Breaking

Gr 9 Up—Anna's post—Witness Protection Program life isn't perfect, but at least she no longer has to keep her identity a secret or move from place to place at the drop of a hat. In Natchitoches, she's developed solid friendships and is dating a really great guy. Her sister, Teeny, is even beginning to recover from the trauma of their former lifestyle. Then Anna's missing journal is returned, along with a note from "T." Anna assumes it's from Thomas, the man hired to kill her, and the FBI agrees. Instead of going back into Witness Protection, the teen argues in favor of staying put, hoping that the FBI can apprehend Thomas before he finds her to finish his fatal task. He has a larger plan in place, however, and his accomplices are people Anna would never suspect. In order to outsmart them, she will have to think fast and stay strong—especially when her boyfriend and sister get dragged into the danger zone. This sequel to The Rules for Disappearing (Hyperion, 2013) doesn't stand well on its own, as pertinent backstory is not sufficiently explained for the uninitiated. There is, however, significant character growth over the course of this novel. Anna is a fairly likable heroine who realistically goes from pawn to triumphant victor. The plot drags at the start, but picks up the pace as it progresses. The underlying mystery and fits of suspense will keep readers' attention. Teens who enjoyed the first book will snap this up.—Heather Miller Cover, Homewood Public Library, AL