Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Leaving Fishers

HADDIX, Margaret Peterson. Leaving Fishers. Simon & Schuster, Pulse. 262p. c1997. 0-689-86793-X. $5.99. JS

Dorry is the new kid on the block--but moving to a new place to complete her last two years of high school is less than ideal. After suffering three weeks of intense loneliness, she is welcomed by a group of friendly, attractive kids. They begin subtly, but soon it becomes clear that they are a religious group, and eventually they expect total obedience. When her discipler Angela commands her to fast on Thanksgiving on her first visit back to Ohio with her family, she comes close to rebelling. The Fishers must come first--above grades, her job, and her family. How much does Dorry believe, and how badly does she want to fit in?

This frightening look at the vulnerability of a lonely teenager and the calculated methods of a cult will provoke much thought and discussion. An excellent book club or class novel.

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

Rita Fontinha, Lib. Media Spec., Norwood H.S., Norwood, MA

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