A saddenting story about a teenage girl who comes from a family with an alcoholic mother who neglects her, and a alcoholic raging father who beats her. Because of this she believes that she is a no good and worth nothing. Her father made her believe that there is something worng with her so she tries to make her fatehr happy. This book explanis how she deals with these problems and the outcomes.

Amanda C. ( )

This novel is an easy-to-read, yet engaging story of a fifteen-year old, Sophie, who is being neglected by her alcoholic mother who is depressed, and who is physically and emotionally abused by her rage-aholic father. This story is particularly well told, in terms of the feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and isolation that Sophie goes through. This book would be useful to any student who may be a reluctant reader. ( )

Orca Soundings (several authors including Goobie) have created an excellent series for reluctent girl readers. In Something Girl, Sophie is caught in vicious cycle of denial as she blames herself for her physically abusive father. Easy reads for middle schoolers which will hold their interest and allow student below grade level to succeed with easy vocabulary and plot lines. ( )