Reviewer: Robyn Roberts
Title: Lock and Key
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Viking
ISBN-13: 978-0-670-010882
Release Date: April 2008
Genre/Sub-genre: Young Adult
Publisher’s Age/Grade Recommendation: 12 and up
OUAR’s Age/Grade Recommendation: Mature 12 and up
Year/Setting: Present Day America
Overall rating: 4.25
Sexual Content Rating: Very Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: None
Sarah's Website: www.sarahdessen.com
Ruby has been living on her own trying to hold out until she’s 18. Her mom left her and now she’s alone in the yellow house. When a social worker corners her to say, "Ruby, where is your mom?" She knows she’s run out of time.
When her long lost sister, Cora, suddenly reappears in her life to take her as a foster child, Ruby goes from poverty to the lap of luxury. Now she’s in a private school, wearing designer clothes and living with a sister who cut off communications acting as her guardian. With the world suddenly at her fingertips, why does she want to return to the old yellow house?
Ruby is having a hard time making friends in her new school. Nate is the only one close to being a friend. He seems to understand without prying. Maybe he has secrets of his own…
I must confess that after reading Lock and Key, I am now a Sarah Dessen devotee. The characters are so very real and in touch with what really goes on inside a teenager’s head. I was floored by the depth of understanding she brings to her characters. The story moves along and for a novel, it is a quick read. I found myself immersed into the plot and unable to stop reading.
I am choosing to be vague regarding the storyline as giving away any of the pieces of the plot would be a spoiler. I can assure you that the story moves along and has some great pieces to it.
A word of caution, there are some mature themes in this book regarding child neglect. Ruby was obviously neglected and a little bit emotionally abused. Some teenage sex occurs off-screen, but the reader is aware it is happening. This book is marketed to ages 12 (or grade 7) and up. I’d say a mature 12 would be best or a 7th grader. I think this book will appeal to people of all ages—through adult.
Robyn
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