Read Between the Lines
Age 14+
General Fiction
“One might think Knowles isn't creating but channeling the adolescent mind. A fascinating study of misperceptions, consequences, and the teen condition.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Thanks to a bully in gym class, unpopular Nate suffers a broken finger—the middle one, splinted to flip off the world. It won’t be the last time a middle finger is raised as ten voices speak loud and clear about the complex dance that is life in a small town. They resonate in a gritty and unflinching portrayal of a day like any other, with ordinary traumas, heartbreak, and revenge. But as on any given day, the line where presentation and perception meet is a tenuous one, hard to discern. Unless, of course, one looks a little closer—and reads between the lines.
Creators
Jo Knowles is the author of Jumping Off Swings and its sequel, Living with Jackie Chan, as well as See You at Harry's. She lives in Vermont with her family.
Reviews
With emotional explorations and dialogue so authentic, one might think Knowles isn’t creating but channeling the adolescent mind. A fascinating study of misperceptions, consequences and the teen condition.
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Achingly truthful… The short story format could tempt reluctant readers, and many young adults will see shadows of themselves in the well-drawn characters. Hand this one to fans of dramatic realistic fiction and those who enjoy slice-of-life novels.
School Library Journal