The Second Life of Abigail Walker (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781442405936)

Is it possible to start afresh when you're thoroughly weighted down?

Seventeen pounds. That's the difference between Abigail Walker and Kristen Gorzca. Between chubby and slim, between teased and taunting. Abby is fine with her body and sick of seventeen pounds making her miserable, so she speaks out against Kristen and her groupies--and becomes officially unpopular. Embracing her new status, Abby heads to an abandoned lot across the street and crosses an unfamiliar stream that leads her to a boy who's as different as they come.

Anders is homeschooled, and while he's worried that Abby's former friends are out to get her, he's even more worried about his dad, a war veteran home from Iraq who is dangerously disillusioned with life. But if his dad can finish his poem about the expedition of Lewis and Clark, if he can effectively imagine what it is to experience freshness and innocence, maybe he will be okay. As Abby dives into the unexpected role as research assistant, she just as unexpectedly discovers that by helping someone else find hope in the world, there is plenty there for herself, as well.

Author: Frances O'Roark Dowell
ISBN-10: 1442405937
ISBN-13: 9781442405936
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Language: English
Published: 08/28/2012
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 7.60h x 5.30w x 0.90d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.7
Point Value: 6
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 153515 / Second Life of Abigail Walker

Award: Young Hoosier Book Award - Nominee

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/18/2012 pg. 60
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2012
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2012
Booklist 09/15/2012 pg. 68
School Library Journal 10/01/2012 pg. 130
Publishers Weekly Best Books 11/05/2012 pg. 38
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2013 pg. 68 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw