This book explores a challenging topic that many choose to shy away from. Suicide, teen depression and bullying are epidemics in our culture. An honest and unapoligetic look at these topis is refreshing. This book is not written for adults, so if you don't typically like teen fiction, stay away. If you have teens, read Safe along with them and open up the discussion. If you are a teacher (as I am) and you are able to get this past the sensors, thsi book will allow for honest communication. Pair it with a journaling activity so you kids can respond honestly in a safe format that only you will read. Take the opportunity to put it out there and allow the kids to crtique your school and its response to bullying, but be ready for an honest answer.

This book is well written and engaging and shows the truth of one girl's struggle. Bullying and abuse aren't pretty and we shouldn't be trying to make them less than they are.

The review area is not for friends and family as they are there to cheerlead. They have a bias and that is wonderful for support purposes but does not serve the interest of the readers.
This as well is not for the area for writiers to explain or critique their own work.
There is nothing wrong with honest independent reviews.

Let me tell you why:
Through a 23 day journey I take the main character, Mariah, from despair so deep it feels like there is no hope left, past some of the true ugliness that teens face these days (with peer pressure and bullying) and into a safe place that everyone can achieve.
I paint a realistic picture about some of the situations that an average North American teenager faces. Mariah has a hard life and very little help from the people around her. Too many teens find themselves in a similar circumstances these days.
However, by writing about honest problems I gain the trust I need to speak truths into peoples lives: the truth that there is a good reason to keep on keeping on - that giving up isn't the right answer - that hope and happiness can be found in the world and that it is worth finding.
I am passionate about the subject of unhappy teens. I know what it feels like; I was miserable during those years. I want to help as many people find their smiles as I can; because I believe everyone deserves to smile.
Aviva B.

I loved the booked!!! Very good lesson at the end, for the majority of characters :)