Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney

Doomed loves, failed families, nixed dreamssomeone else's leftovers are heaped on our plates the day we come into this world. Big Macs and pop tunes mask the emptiness as Madeline watches her mom drink away their welfare checks. Until the day Tad, a quirky McDonald's counter boy, asks Madeline out for a date, and she gets her first taste of normal. But with a life thats anything but, how long can normal really last? Hanging with Jeremy, avoiding Mam, sticking Do Not Disturb Post-its on her heart, Desiree's mission is simple: party hard, graduate (well, maybe), get out of town. But after Desiree accepts half a meatball grinder, a cold drink, and a ride from her mother's boyfriend one rainy afternoon, nothing is ever simple again. Too many AP classes. Workaholic mom. Dad in prison. Still, Ariel's sultry new boyfriend, Shane, manages to make even the worst days delicious. But when an unexpected phone call forces a trip to visit a sick grandmother she's never met, revealing her family's dark past, Ariel struggles to find the courage to make the right choice for her own future. As three girls from three different decades lives converge, they discover they are connected ways they could never imagine. Each of them finds strength that brings her closer to healing a painful past, and faith that there is a happier future. Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal Grade 10 Up--Three generations are portrayed in this compelling novel about complicated relationships between mothers and daughters. Overweight Madeline, growing up in the 1970s, has taken care of her alcoholic mother for as long as she can remember. Food is her crutch, until she meets Tad, who changes her life. But a tragic accident leaves her pregnant and alone. Desiree, growing up in the 1990s, tells her story in free verse. Her mother's boyfriend rapes her in the backseat of his truck. After a falling out with her mother, the pregnant teen runs away. Ariel's story begins in 2009. Her father is in jail; she lives with her workaholic mother who offers little guidance, allowing Ariel to make her own decisions. But, as her relationship with her boyfriend becomes more troubling, Ariel realizes just how much she misses and needs her mother's support. As the stories develop, readers begin to see clues as to the relationships among the teens. Of the three stories, Ariel's is the weakest compared to the palpable emotions conveyed in Madeline's and Desiree's stories. But, it's Ariel's insight (We all inherit someone's leftovers) that gets to the crux of the book. Life lessons abound in this grim look at how decisions can have lasting effects. Short, alternating chapters among the teens and authentic voices make this a good choice for reluctant readers.--Kelley Siegrist, Farmington Community Library, MI Copyright ? Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review BOOKLIST ...[A] moving novel narrated in alternating voices....a larger tale of love, abuse, understanding, and forgiveness. The women aren't all likable, but they are authentic, and each story explores single motherhood, body obsession, and the search for meaningful love. Each woman s hard-fought journey towards self-respect makes for difficult yet compelling reading. BOOKLIST ...[A] moving novel narrated in alternating voices....a larger tale of love, abuse, understanding, and forgiveness. The women aren't all likable, but they are authentic, and each story explores single motherhood, body obsession, and the search for meaningful love. Each woman s hard-fought journey towards self-respect makes for difficult yet compelling reading. LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, STARRED REVIEW This book is impossible to put down and would be especially appreciated by older teen girls. It would also make a great discussion book for a mother and daughter to share. LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, STARRED REVIEW This book is impossible to put down and would be especially appreciated by older teen girls. It would also make a great discussion book for a mother and daughter to share. VOYA The overall picture is of hope and affirmation, and readers will applaud these flawed but resilient women. VOYA The overall picture is of hope and affirmation, and readers will applaud these flawed but resilient women. TEENREADS.COM the kind of novel that mothers should give to their daughters or, even better, read and discuss together. TEENREADS.COM the kind of novel that mothers should give to their daughters or, even better, read and discuss together. KIRKUS REVIEWS ...Kwasney effectively develops her characters into multidimensional personalities, convincing in their strengths and weakness... KIRKUS REVIEWS ...Kwasney effectively develops her characters into multidimensional personalities, convincing in their strengths and weakness... SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Short, alternating chapters among the teens and authentic voices make this a good choice for reluctant readers. SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Short, alternating chapters among the teens and authentic voices make this a good choice for reluctant readers. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Kwasney s protagonists are distinctive and empathetic, her narratives meticulously structured and realistic, exposing the unpredictability--and sometimes unfairness--that life can bring. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Kwasney s protagonists are distinctive and empathetic, her narratives meticulously structured and realistic, exposing the unpredictability--and sometimes unfairness--that life can bring. About the Author Michelle D. Kwasney has written two middle grade novels: Baby Blue, named a Booksense Pick and New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, and Itch, released in 2007. Michelle lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she writes and teaches art. Visit her at www.michelledkwasney.com to learn more. About the Author Michelle D. Kwasney has written two middle grade novels: Baby Blue, named a Booksense Pick and New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, and Itch, released in 2007. Michelle lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she writes and teaches art. Visit her at www.michelledkwasney.com to learn more.