Synopsis
Emily has always been the kind of girl who tries to do the right thing - until one night when she does the worst thing possible. She sees Belinda, a classmate with developmental disabilities, being attacked. Inexplicably, she does nothing at all.
Belinda, however, manages to save herself. When their high school finds out what happened, Emily and Lucas, a football player who was also there that night, are required to perform community service at a centre for disabled people. Soon, Lucas and Emily begin to feel like maybe they're starting to make a real difference. Like they would be able to do the right thing if they could do that night all over again. But can they do anything that will actually help the one person they hurt the most?
My review
I liked this book right from the start! It was funny and entertaining but handled the issues around disability in a sensitive and moral way.
The main character, Belinda, who suffers from a disability, proved that she was as smart, brave and confident as any other mainstream young person. Even though her thought processes may have been confusing to her at times, her loyal and moral standards showed that she was a force to be reckoned with!
I enjoyed the storyline of the other main characters, Emily and Lucas having to re-assess the part they played in the incident which took place. Not only did it get them to question their integrity but also learn a few genuine morals along the way. The relationship they both ended up building with the other disabled characters in the book was a delight to read and a true testament that all individuals can get along regardless of their differences- both physical and mental!
The book was a decent length and the plot followed through at a nice pace. I think this is a lovely read for young adults to understand the differences between themselves and others as well as address any immoral behaviours they have displayed at any time in their life.
A recommended read for sure!
5 out of 5 stars!