She's a foster kid with nowhere else to go. Matt (don't call her Mathilda) has been abused and fears any and all attachments. Upon moving in with Jessica and Sam Fox, Matt finds that she is fighting against so many things-- fear of rejection, love, and the bullies at school.
Matt's voice is authentic and true. As she battles bullies and fear, she learns to love and be loved. Her foster family includes a foster-son, whom she dubs "the Blob," and she's sure that he will never advance from his blob-like physical state. But Jessica's love is never-ending and abundant and she slowly tears down the walls that Matt has erected to protect herself from harm.
A parallel storyline includes community conflict over the war in the Middle East and the Fox family's peaceful, Quaker existence. The conflict spills from school and a bully in the form of a World History teacher and war-minded students. Free thinking and peace are not encouraged in this teacher's classroom and Matt's gothic presence is an aggravation to the teacher and his student minions.
After she attends Quaker meetings with Sam, she learns about the Quaker way of life and when violence enters the church and community Matt faces a tough decision. Will she choose to stand up for her beliefs or will fear keep her silent?
1 comment:
I am going on Amazon right now to order. This sounds great.
Post a Comment