Firegirl

By Tony Abbott
Rating: 4 1/4 stars
Reviewed by Noelle

Tom is in 7th grade in Catholic school and spends his time with his one good friend, Jeff, and daydreaming about Courtney, the prettiest girl in class. Then one day a new girl in brought into the class--Jessica, who was badly burned in a fire. Jessica looks like no one Tom has ever seen before, and he is afraid of her, especially when she ends up sitting next to him. But as unkind rumors and gossip swirl around about Jessica, Tom finds that he dislikes the way everyone treats her even more than he dislikes how Jessica looks. When Tom's teacher sends him over her house to deliver some homework, Tom has a chance to find out the truth. Jessica's stay in his classroom is brief, but Tom finds that the short time she was there has changed the way he sees life forever. Although Tom doesn't save the day, in a way, he is a hero, even if no one else sees it. This is a powerful story, which will benefit anyone who reads it. A great book to discuss.