L. J. Adlington is the author of The Diary of Pelly D, which was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. She graduated from Cambridge University, and has lived and worked in Japan and Spain. She now lives in York, England, where she teaches hands-on history lessons for museums, schools, and historical sites.
Gr 7-10-Cherries have not been harvested at Cherry Heaven since the shooting deaths of the last owners a decade earlier. Despite their regret at having to relocate from the war-torn five cities to the New Frontier, sisters Kat and Tanka feel somewhat relieved to be living at the outstanding house at Cherry Heaven. Once settled in their new home, they discover that Meander town isn't as peaceful and comfortable as it seems on the surface. Intelligent and inquisitive Kat sees through the facade and questions the events of the past, and ultimately forces the townspeople to face up to the truths of life in Meander. Alternating chapters from the point of view of Kat and a slave girl who desperately wants to escape so she can expose the truth about murders long forgotten make this novel a multidimensional exploration of race, class, adventure, and ethics while remaining a nonstop page-turner. This accessible story, a companion to The Diary of Pelly D (HarperCollins, 2005), provides many opportunities for deeper discussions and thought. With many subtle references to the current worldwide exploitation and discrimination toward certain groups of people, it would be a good cross-curriculum classroom study.-Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
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