Pearl

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Pearl
Author: Jo Knowles
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pub Date: 07/19/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Pearl is an emotional story about a 15-year old living with a mother who acts half her age and a grumpy grandfather who is a better parent than her mother. When Gus, the grandfather dies, Pearl, a.k.a Bean, seeks answers about her father, while trying to maintain a "normal" life. With the support of Henry, her best friend, and Sally, his mother, Bean finds answers and comes to a sort of peace with her mother.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I enjoyed how Pearl is not only the story of Pearl's quest for answers, but also about her mother learning to be responsible and connect with her.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: The cover is simple, charming, but a little gray. The gray and white theme is a small turn-off because it looks so boring. Also, the girl in the pearl has a creepy expression on her face. She's not happy or sad, she's staring off into the distance with a weird expression on her face.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal