The plot of this novel is tired, but Corinne and Caleb, at least, are mercifully convincing and thoughtful. Ellie's and Josh's families are filled with stock dysfunction-from Ellie's shrill, uptight mother and perfect-on-the-outside home to Josh's washed-up, hard-drinking father and hapless mother. The next nine months are narrated by four charaters-Ellie, Josh, and their best friends, Corinne and Caleb. It turns out the condom 'slipped off' (?) and she gets pregnant. Even seemingly decent Josh, a virgin, leaves right after their tryst and never speaks to her again. Preorder your copy today through our website.Keywords: teen pregnancy, abortion, friendship, high schoolĭescription: (Amazon) Ellie has sex with boys who make her feel wanted and beautiful and then never call again. Where the Heart Is is coming from Candlewick Press on April 2nd. She has also written two middle grade novels: Still a Work In Progess and See You At Harry's. With all the heart of her award-winning novel See You At Harry's, Jo Knowles brings us the story of a girl who must discover where her heart is and what that means for her future.Ībout the Author: Jo Knowles is the award-winning author of the young adult novels Lessons from a Dead Girl, Jumping Off Swings, and Read Between the Lines, among others. In fact, she isn't sure she can feel that way about any boy. But Micah seems to want their relationship to go beyond friendship, and though Rachel almost wishes for that, too, she can't force herself to feel 'that way' about him. Fortunately, Rachel can count on Micah to help her cope with all the stress.

At home, her parents are more worried about money than usual, and their arguments over bills intensify. Her 'fun' new job taking care of the neighbors' farm animals quickly becomes a challenge, whether she's being pecked by chickens or having to dodge a charging pig at feeding time. But as summer unfolds, every day seems to get more complicated. She can't wait to head to the lake with her best friend, Micah. 'Jo Knowles's luminous Where the Heart Is shows how life for a thirteen-year-old can be confusing, heartbreaking, and joyous all at the same time.' - Alan Gratz, best-selling author of RefugeeĪbout the Book: It's the first day of summer and Rachel's thirteenth birthday. 'This book is a gift to every kid who feels stuck between who they were and who they might want to become.' - William Alexander, National Book Award-winning author of A Properly Unhaunted Place

'An immensely appealing, hard-to-put-down story about friendship and love, heartache and bravery - and, above all, family.' - Rebecca Stead, author of Newberry Medal winner When You Reach Me Award-winning local author Jo Knowles is publishing her 8th novel, Where the Heart Is, and we're throwing a party to celebrate! Come hear about her latest middle grade novel, and help us celebrate this brand new gem of a book.

Jumping off swings book