Summer of Secrets (Bluford High Series #10)

Darcy enters summer in a great deal of turmoil. Still shaken from nearly being date-raped, she finds it hard to sleep and is nervous around any boy. Her parents are keeping secrets of their own and don't seem to notice Darcy's troubles. Her grandmother's recent death and Hakeem, her boyfriend, is now in Detroit-- leaving Darcy feeling more alone than ever. On top of that, an old friend has a big secret and turns to Darcy for help-- but Darcy isn't sure she can handle it. Like all the other books in the Bluford series I've read, this novel can either stand alone by itself or be read in consecutive order. Langan does a great job of seemlessly working in backstory, so anyone who hasn't read previous titles won't miss any key points. This show more falls short of the typical 200 page minimum English class independent reading assignment, but this high-interest low-level series is targeted at students who probably are in an adjusted class for additional help in reading. This book fills that role very well. show less

Sixteen-year-old Darcy Wills was hoping that she'd be able to relax over her summer vacation, but her attack and near-rape at the end of the school year, the death of her grandmother, her parents fighting at home, and watching her friend Brianna date a player have left her more anxious and unable to sleep than ever as secrets wind around her. Darcy doesn't trust boys anymore, not even nice guys like her younger sister's boyfriend or her friend Tarah's cousin, and gets drawn more and more into her own fears as the summer progresses. But Brianna's pregnancy scare makes Darcy realize that she does have people to turn to for help. The expected after-school-special warnings about teen sex and seeking help from trusted adults abound, but the show more situations and characters will feel true to many readers. The pacing is fast in this hi-lo book, part of the Bluford High series-- which features African American characters-- and fans of the series will be eager for another installment. Recommended for reluctant readers or those looking for a fast read, grades 8-12. show less

Summer for Darcy looks like it will be filled with problems-- her parents are fighting, she doesn't approve of either her sister's or friend's boyfriends, and she herself is still struggling with how to deal with her attempted rape the previous month.

This installment of the Bluford High series continues in the fast-paced action-packed style of the previous titles. The book deals with a number of sensitive real-world issues-- in addition to those already mentioned, it also touches on teen pregnancy, unemployment, and drug abuse. The sheer number of issues within the pages occasionally gives the book an overly dramatic and unrealistic feel, but they also will drive reluctant readers to keep turning the pages to discover how Darcy and her show more friends will deal with their next challenge. The book at times carries a morals-heavy tone, but sharing morals allows it to present responsible and valid ways to cope with tough issues.

Recommended for libraries serving a population of Hi-Lo readers. show less

Paul Langan's Summer of Secrets has teenager Darcy Wills suffering internally after a near-rape by a boy she was introduced to through a friend. Her trust in the opposite sex has been shaken, and her younger sister's budding romance with an apparent beau now alarms her to the point of distraction. Further clouding her conscience is the vailed conflict between her parents that has the Wills' household in quiet turmoil. The book does a nice job in effortlessly capturing the attitudes and street talk of Southern California, inner-city youth. What's lacking is a sense of immediacy in Darcy's actions. The story would have been well-served by a direct confrontation between her and the surly, ill-mannered paramour of a former close friend, but show more this opportunity gets lost in Darcy's gentle timidity in light of her own problems. And a long-distance phone call from a true love produces no real pay-off in the scheme of things. This book could be used by a high school-level counselling center to teach students about the reality of life's problems and the importance of good decision making. show less

Who says its hard to find appropriate urban-fiction text? Paul Langan has written a book filled with drama that children can't put down. The main character Darcy is dealing with all types of issues such as trust, friendship, and the divorce of her parents. The language is detailed and interesting but not racy. Children will be able to relate to some aspect of Darcy's life.

With her parents always fighting at home, teenaged Darcy is looking for refuge. Unfortunately, with her boyfriend now in Detroit and her grandmother recently passed away, Darcy must rely on herself to deal with her family problems and a haunting incident from the past. Realistic dialogue, relatable characters and plenty of action make for a fast-moving storyline in this high-interest novel for young readers. The convincing nature of this story—from family drama to relationship trouble—will keep readers engaged right to the last page. As the tenth book in the popular Bluford High series, readers are able to follow the lives of Darcy and her friends and family in several other Bluford installments. Recommended. For ages 14-18.

A quick read. Predictable. Girl gets pregnant. Girl is abused.
#10 in Bluford series.