Something Like Hope
by
Shawn Goodman
YA fiction
Shavonne has had a rough life. Her mother did not adequately care for her. She was essentially on her own by about age 9. Shavonne had a child while in jail. Is there anything like hope for someone like this? A new psychologist in the jail challenges her assumptions about life and gets her to thinking about what she will do once she turns 18. This is a bleak, realistic novel that does not sugar coat the consequences of a teen landing in jail. This book would be a good conversation starter for teens and the adults who care about them (parents, teachers, psychologists, police, etc).
Author Shawn Goodman has worked as a psychologist in a girls' juvenile justice facility and he draws on his experiences to paint a picture of contemporary life.
I recommend this book for public and high school libraries.
