Heaven by Angela Johnson

CITATION: Johnson, A. (1998). Heaven. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

IDENTIFYING #: ISBN 0439142652

CLASSIFICATION: Fiction

GENRE: Realistic Fiction

CALL #: FIC JOHNSON

RECOMMENDED AGE/INTEREST LEVEL: Young Adult

RATING:5

Annotation: 14 year-old Marley uncovers a secret that makes her question who she is and whether her whole life has been a lie.

Summary: In Heaven, Angela Johnson's companion novel to The First Part Last, Marley learns that her "parents" have been lying to her for her whole life about who they are, and about who she is. She used to love her parents, but now she doesn't want anything to do with them. After all, they're liars, and talking with liars just gives them an opportunity to tell you more lies. Marley babysits Feather for Bobby, who in his quiet way, comforts Marley and tries to help her understand that even good people, people who love you, can make mistakes and hurt you. Marley gradually learns more about her past, and begins to trust that even though nothing will ever be the same again, She's going to be just fine.

Notes: Although you can finish this book in a day or two, you'll likely be thinking about it long after you're done. The language is simple, but the ideas are complex. My favorite parts were the conversations between Marley and Bobby (hmm...Bob Marley?), and the respectful way Bobby is able to help Marley feel understood, understand others, and find her own way through her pain.