CW: sexual abuse

Whatever I felt was missing from the first book (I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This), this sequel made up for completely. It was heartbreaking, and I was completely invested in Lena and her sister Dion making a better future for themselves, though they never should have needed to in the first place. The people they met who helped them infused a very dark situation with hope. ( )

Beautifully written. Got teary eyed towards the end. :) ( )

Though easily read, this is not what I would call an easy read. The story of two young girls running away from their abusive father is not lightly told. Woodson draws the attention of readers of varying ages by making the reader feel for the girls in the story. So that my heart would only break a little at a time, rather than all at once, I had to take breaks while reading. Every pain was worth it because I got to be a part of these girls lives and feel their pain, longing and appreciation for bubble baths. ( )

5Q, 4P

Rich character development, compelling plot, great descriptions (language)-- speaks to many different kids of reader appeals. Treats very heavy subjects-- sexual abuse, running away, loss-- seriously and frankly and does not cross into sensationalism or condescension.

Shifting gears from two books recently read that lacked depth and were trite and emotionless, this stellar book by Woodson was an insightful story of two young girls who tragically were abused by their father after the death of their mother.

When Lena, the oldest child, learns that her younger sister is becoming the target of their father, she decides it is time to run away. Traveling on the road from Ohio to Kentucky, the young children are scared, hungry and weary.

While the ending seemed trite, still, I highly recommend the books of Jacqueline Woodson. She is a three-time Newbery Honor Award winning author and only a few young adult writers can write with as much poetry and poignancy as she does. ( )