The Girl Who Wasn't There

by Penny Joelson

Overview

For fans of Karen M. McManus and Kara Thomas comes this riveting new young adult crime thriller packed with mystery and suspense, from the acclaimed author of I Have No Secrets

Nothing ever happens on Kasia's street. And Kasia would know, because her chronic illness keeps her stuck at home, watching the outside world from her bedroom window. So when she witnesses what looks like a kidnapping, she's not sure whether she can believe her own eyes…

There had been a girl in the window across the street who must have seen something too. But when Kasia ventures out to find her, she is told the most shocking thing of all: There is no girl.

Emotional and full of twists, The Girl Who Wasn't There is perfect for readers looking for:

• teen mystery books
• diverse, complex characters
• chronic illness representation
• books for teens that deal with social issues
• young adult suspense novels

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781492698852
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	11/03/2020
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.90(d)
Lexile:	HL630L (what's this?)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Penny Joelson was born in London where she still lives with her husband and two children and teaches creative writing. She began working with disabled people when she was a teenager, which gave her the inspiration and insight for I Have No Secrets. Find Penny on Twitter: @pennyjoelson

Editorial Reviews

"A great, fast-paced thriller for younger teens, this novel explores important real-world issues." — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2020-08-14
Housebound due to chronic fatigue, a teen witnesses a terrifying event.

Since contracting myalgic encephalomyelitis eight months ago, 15-year-old Kasia Novak has spent most of her time in her bedroom. The slightest exertion exhausts her, and she’s terrified she’ll never get better. When she witnesses a possible abduction from her window, she wonders if the girl she glimpsed in the opposite window saw it too—but everyone says the girl doesn’t exist. While balancing good days and relapses as she investigates the girl and copes with family tension, Kasia rapidly befriends Navin, the perpetually solicitous grandson of her Indian neighbor. Interspersed with Kasia’s narration, Reema, the mysterious girl, describes her own increasingly desperate circumstances in italicized bursts. Author Joelson, who has struggled with ME herself, sensitively portrays Kasia’s frustration and determination as well as ME’s toll on Kasia’s family. However, this nod to Rear Window ultimately falls flat. Emotions are often stated rather than shown, and underdeveloped secondary characters contribute to an abrupt, lackluster ending. Reema is more a plot device for Kasia’s emotional benefit than a fully realized person, which is particularly unfortunate given her troubling story. Kasia and her family are White Polish immigrants to England. Reema may be South Asian.

An unfortunately shallow take on a serious issue. (author's note) (Suspense. 13-16)

Kirkus Reviews