If I could recommend only one book for pre-teen girls, it would be
The Kayak.
Step aside Gossip Girl - there's a new heroine in the literary
world. Teresa is the kind of girl I wanted to become: independent,
creative, thoughtful and funny. Teresa is paralyzed from the waist
down, but this girl is no victim. She rescues - both physically and
emotionally - many of the secondary characters in this novel.
The plot is a romantic coming-of-age story, dealing with many of
the issues faced by pre-adolescent girls today. Teresa's conflicted
feelings are clearly expressed through Spring's skillful prose.
Foreshadowing for the plot twists is expertly handled; under
Spring's pen, the love triangle story becomes fresh and fun.
Emotions run high, but Teresa's self-respect keeps physical contact
limited to kisses.
The setting is as compelling as the plot and characters. Spring's
love for the Georgian Bay area shows clearly through every stroke
of Teresa's paddle. Kayak adventures, swimming in the lake,
nighttime campfires and horseback riding anchor this book in the
idyllic world of summer vacation.
I look forward to recommending this book to all my students.
Ultimately, this book leaves a reader entertained and intrigued.
Its thought-provoking treatment of handicapped people will stay
with readers even after the last page is turned. The Kayak will not
disappoint.