Skip to main content

The Lonely Ones

By


The Lonely Ones
By Kelsey Sutton
Philomel Books, 2016. Fiction. 240p.

“I want to inform them
 that I am not silent
because I have nothing to say.

 I am silent
because nobody is listening.”

Fain misses the days when she felt close to her siblings, when her parents weren’t stressed and arguing about her father’s unemployment, and when peers at school didn’t have complicated ulterior motives. As her loneliness grows, Fain spends more and more of her time writing the fantastical stories that she loves. During the night, her fantasy world comes to life and she lives for the adventures she will go on with her monsters and imaginary creatures. But as new people at school seek to befriend her and loyalties between her siblings are tested, Fain must decide if she will stay hidden in her fantasy world or if she will embrace the messy vulnerability of real relationships.

This novel in free verse is a very quick read but has a lot of depth, sensitivity, and emotional truth. A realistic but hopeful story about growing up, family problems, and the loneliness that can be felt even within a crowd. Fain’s search for the balance between the comforts of escaping into imaginary worlds and the self-respect and connection that comes from reaching out to others and pushing through emotional hurt is brilliantly done.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

From Story Time: The Letter "B"

By
From Monday Book Babies Bird, Balloon, Bear By Il Sung Na Alfred A. Knopf, 2017.  Picture Book. Bird is new to the forest, and he’s looking for a friend. Bear could use a friend, too. But Bird is too shy to introduce himself. Just as he musters the courage to say hello . . . it’s too late! Bear has already found a friend: a bright, shiny red balloon. Has Bird missed his chance?  From the acclaimed Il Sung Na comes a charming and beautifully illustrated story about courage, kindness, and friendship.  --Publisher From Monday Cuentos El primer día de un colegio Texto de Adam Rex Ilustraciones de Christian Robinson Traducción de Teresa Mlawer Editorial Corimbo, 2017.  Spanish Picture Book. Aquel verano, cuando terminaron de construir la escuela Frederick Douglass, el edificio comenzó a hacerse muchas preguntas: ¿Cuál será mi destino? ¿Quién vivirá entre mis paredes? ¿Para qué me utilizarán? Através de sus conversaciones con el conserje y t...
Post a Comment
Read more

An ABC of Flowers

By
An ABC of Flowers   by Jutta Hilpuesch New York, NY : Philomel Books, [2019] It turns out there really is a flower for every letter. This sweet book has a photograph of every flower and  a sweet cartoon illustration to go along with it. All your favorite flowers are here (forget-me-nots, mums, and sunflowers), along with some you probably haven't heard of before (billy ball, kalanchoe, xeranthemum?).  This is a perfect book for reading together, and readers of any age will enjoy every page. Don't miss this great springtime alphabet book. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Display: Teddy's Top Picks

By Suzanne
  Bear in the Air Written by Susan Meyers Illustrated by Amy Bates New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010. Picture book. When a teddy bear is lost by the child who loves him, the bear begins an adventurous journey to get back home again. -- Editor Blanket and Bear, A Remarkable Pair Written by L.J.R. Kelly Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013. Picture book. When a boy loses his beloved blanket and bear, they travel a great distance to make their way back to him. -- Editor A Bear to Share Written by Jessica Alba, Nora Weinstein, and Kelly Patricof  Illustrated by Alicia Mas New York, NY : Baby2Baby/Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2021. Picture book. Tiana loves her teddy bear, Bach. She doesn't mind that he's a little worn and somewhat torn. So when her mother suggests she make room for a new bear, Tiana can't believe her ears! Will Tiana have to lose the one bear she really loves? Or will she find room in her heart for t...
Post a Comment
Read more