Also Known as Harper

Title: Also Known as Harper
Author: Ann Haywood Leal
Grade: A
Ideal Audience: Boys & Girls, 11+

Summary: Harper's escape is poetry. When she wants to forget about her father leaving her family, when she wants to forget about the money problems falling on her mother's shoulders, when she wants to forget all the responsibilities that she now has to deal with, and when she wants to forget about her family's eviction, Harper writes poetry.

Harper was named after Harper Lee (author of To Kill a Mockingbird), and both have a way with the pen, even though Harper is only ten years old. More than anything, Harper wants to perform at her school's poetry contest. But as she is forced to stay home from school to look after her little brother (thanks to her family's poverty), the chances of this occurring are decreasing by the minute.

It's up to Harper to find a way to show the world her poetry. As she explores the new place she is living in, Harper makes new friends and learns about the way the world works, something she would not otherwise be exposed to if not for her recent eviction.

My thoughts: Although teens might be hesitant to pick up a book with a ten-year-old protagonist, don't let this turn you off. Harper is mature and perceptive beyond her years, and the reader creates a real bond with her.

Also Known as Harper also carries a powerful message- especially in this day and age- about poverty and homelessness. This novel is not one to be missed.

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For Commenters: What are your views/comments on poverty, eviction, and homelessness?