Eight Keys by Suzanne Lafleur
Puffin, 2011. ISBN 9780141342030
(10+) Turning twelve and starting middle school heralds the
beginning of an unhappy time in the life of Elise. Playing
make belief games with her long term friend Franklin suddenly seems
embarrassingly childish. Her locker buddy is a horrible bully and
school rapidly becomes a daily terror. Her aunt and uncle, with whom
she lives, want to help but Elise feels trapped. Can she ever be
happy again?
Help comes in the form of a mysterious key which unlocks a door to
the past. Elise has to make sense of what she uncovers and
find a new way to face the future.
This is a simply delightful adventure that ignites the imagination
in a most enchanting way. Fitting in at school and the acceptance of
peers is of utmost importance for adolescents and readers will
relate to Elise's struggle to find her place. The story reinforces
the values of friendship, integrity and trust in a compassionate and
creative manner.
This book will appeal particularly to girls and will make a great
addition to the school library.
Tina Cain