Bibliography: Nadin, Joanna. (2011). Wonderland. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-0763648466
Plot Summary: Sixteen year old Jude longs to escape from her small town life; her place on the fringe, the ghost of her dead mother. She dreams about theater and prestigious drama school, but lacks courage to try out–if she fails, what else is there? Enter Stella, flashy childhood friend all grown up. She pushes Jude to do wild and daring and dangerous things, but with Stella, there is no room for compromise and Jude learns, no room for anyone else. When Stella threatens to take over Jude’s life, Jude realizes drastic measures are called for.
Critical Analysis: I would have loved this book as a teen–it is a perfect snapshot of the life of a teen in a different part of the world, in a different kind of life then the one I knew. And yet, I would have identified with Jude, with her pain and worry and wondering if her life were destined to turn out a certain predetermined way. And I think therein lies the strength of this novel–Jude is so human, so real, and the reader will root for her the whole way, cringe when she does stupid things because she wants so badly to be Stella’s friend, smile when she realizes best friend Ed has stronger feelings for her, and gasp when the foreshadowed twist is finally revealed. (Veteran mystery and thriller reader that I am, I was so wrapped up in the story I didn’t really see the twist coming. I’m sure many teen girls will be surprised as well.)
Review Excerpts: ”Teens harboring a secret wish to be anyone other than who they are will identify with Jude’s struggle to shrug off her status as a misfit. A promising U.S. debut for teens—here’s hoping for more from this British writer.”–Kirkus Reviews
“[T]he lure of danger will hook readers, and the story’s shocking revelations will make them go back to realize what they missed.”–Booklist
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