Great book. Great characters. Good story. ( )

This is a book that is last of a series. It just tells about a group of friends that have had ups and downs over many years. It really illustrates the struggles that friends go through in real life.

It took me a while to get into this book because I haven't read the previous books and was confused about the characters. But once I did, I found it to be a fascinating picture of high school life. It would have gotten a fourth star but I was annoyed by the spoiler on the cover flap which mentioned a killer - I spent the entire novel waiting for this to happen and trying to guess who the killer would be. I dislike spoilers. If the author had wanted to give away the ending, it was her right to do so, not the publisher's. ( )

Just Another Hero
Sharon M. Draper
Audiobook read by JD Jackson
Simon & Schuster Childrne’s Publishing 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4407-3880-7

I didn’t realize that this was the third book in a trilogy. I was some way into the book thinking why does the name November sound familiar to me. Then it hit me. This follows the life of Kofi, Arielle, Dana, November, and Jericho.

If you read what is written about this book you’ll think that the story is about someone taking a gun to school. Yeah that happens. But the real story is about friendship, ambition, hopes, desires, and family. The kind of friendships that you can depend on through tough times and good times.

November deals with coming back to school after having her baby. Arielle interacts with all those she disrespected in the previous year, and the unreal abusive situation she has at home with her stepfather. Only her mother can save her, but will she? Kofi is faced with challenges about his future.

I found myself worried most about Kofi because I thought for sure something bad was going to happen to him. I can’t tell you what because I don’t want to spoil the book for you. But I thought for sure there was going to be a funeral.

I was rooting for Kofi the most in the book. I think the issues he dealt with are something many teens face in their life. How do I improve myself, educate myself, get ahead in the world, and leave everyone I love behind. That’s a difficult choice to make for anyone.

The conclusion of the book is high tension. Just Another Hero is a story of how everyone is a hero in their own life story. There is no way around that. You have to show up for your life. ( )

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

JUST ANOTHER HERO is the final book in Sharon M. Draper's trilogy that began with THE BATTLE OF JERICHO and NOVEMBER BLUES. It takes readers inside a Cincinnati high school to follow the lives of a group of students who are now seniors finishing their high school careers and heading on to whatever their futures may hold.

This group of friends has experienced a lot over the years. They have watched out for each other, fallen in love, and had disagreements that changed the course of their relationships. Now in their final year together, they are dealing with personal challenges, family issues, and the usual academic hassles of high school.

Arielle, having realized the error of her ways, is making her way back into her old circle of friends. November is returning to school after the premature birth of her daughter, Sunshine. Kofi receives a letter of acceptance to MIT but now must worry about how to pay for the privilege of attending the prestigious school. Jericho and Olivia have a strong relationship and are the envy of everyone.

Running alongside the stories of this group of friends are some potentially explosive situations. Osrick continues to be the target for practical jokes and harassment. Crazy Jack creates chaos in the halls and classrooms and is no doubt the reason for all the fake fire drills disrupting the school day. Eddie has returned from juvenile detention, causing more unwanted tension. And everyone is completely frustrated by a rash of thefts plaguing students and teachers alike.

Author Sharon M. Draper is an expert at capturing the high school spirit and making her characters come alive. Her ability to create entertaining and believable high school scenarios makes her books popular with many teens. ( )