Very enjoyable! I can understand why this is required reading for Hunter's English class. Although it is lower level, it has some great teachable elements in regards to writing. ( )

Writing style is a little choppy at times. I'm not sure if this was me being out of practice reading or not, but there were a few too many characters for me to always keep everyone straight. But I found this an excellent book to remind me why impartial and fact based journalism is so important. If I'm having a hard time finding that sort of journalism in real life, at least this book reminds me of things to beware of when reading todays internet 'news'. ( )

Hildy Biddle, a budding high-school journalist following in her deceased father’s footsteps, is determined to uncover the mystery surrounding the allegedly haunted house in her small town. The big newspaper in town exaggerates the “hauntings”, making people fear for their lives, and Hildy takes it upon herself to prove that someone is profiting from this “fear-mongering.” "Peeled" is a quick read that leaves the reader rooting for the underdogs. ( )

Joan Bauer’s delightful injections of “apple” imagery reinforce the tone of the story and her rich characters add depth and understanding to the theme.

The most valuable character to inspire Hildy is her father. His words ring true throughout the entire story, “You know how to peel an apple, Hildy? Once you start cutting, don’t stop until the peel comes off. It’s how you do anything…you’ve got to start and not stop until the job is done.”

Baker Polton, the gruff retired newspaperman challenges the students to get the facts.

Minska, local restaurant owner and friend of Hildy, shares her experience as a child growing up in Poland during the Solidarity movement in Gdansk to encourage the students when no one will listen to them.

All of these characters represent adults who can influence a teenager's perspective on life.

Peeled is a great book to used for discussion about freedom of the press, teenagers challenging adults, the impact of economics and change on local communities, and the historical facts about the Solidarity movements around the world.

It's a great read! ( )

Hildy learns much about her friends, family, schoolmates and
the newspaper business as she investigates the strange happenings at the local haunted house. ( )