Return to Paradise

November 1, 2010

Gr 9 Up-This emotionally honest, fast-paced sequel to Elkeles's Leaving Paradise (Flux, 2007) reads like a stand-alone novel. In that book, Caleb Becker assumed responsibility for the drunk-driving accident that left Maggie Armstrong with a permanent limp, and he endured a year in juvenile detention. He came home to begin again, but after a brief but intense relationship with Maggie, he left Paradise once more. In this book, Caleb's transition counselor plans to have him join a group called "Re-START," conducting meetings and presentations designed to help teens make smart choices. This program lands him face to face with Maggie, and over the course of the summer they work through feelings of anger, frustration, tension, attraction, and affection. Their relationship is played against the backdrop of the other members of their group. Written from Maggie's and Caleb's alternating perspectives, the conversational narratives occasionally contain vulgar language, but they give readers insights into the way the characters think, feel, and act toward one another. Teens will be compelled to continue reading as the angst is vividly played out with all its raw passion, desire, tension, trust, loss, and gain. Maggie and Caleb are great characters, and the supporting cast provides a much-needed backdrop of support and guidance. Maturity and responsibility for one's actions are also important themes. Elkeles gives readers a thoroughly satisfying novel and much to think about.-Robert A. Zupperoli, Warren Harding High School, Brideport, CT

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