Connecting Dots
Sharon Jennings, Author
Second Story Press, Mar. 1, 2015
A Gutsy Girl Book (4): 197 pages
Suitable for Ages: 9-13; Grades 6-8
Themes: Self-Esteem, Family Relationships, Loss, Abuse, Coming of Age, Friendship
Opening: Until I was five, I thought my grandmother was my mother. In kindergarten, I found out the truth.
Book Synopsis: My name is Cassandra. Some people think I’m an orphan. They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and in my case that’s definitely true. My best friend, Leanna, keeps bugging me to write my life story. She loves writing. Me, I’d rather be an actress. But telling the truth for once about my life could feel good. You see, I always thought my grandma raised me because I was an orphan. But when she died, I found out that was a lie. It’s hard to find out that nobody wants you. For a long time I didn’t have a real home, or any real friends. But things can change, and now I’m sitting here at my desk in my room, writing my story so you can read it, strange or not.
Why I like this book:
Sharon Jennings has written a heartbreaking and heartwarming coming of age story about a 12-year-old girl who is shipped off to the homes of many cruel relatives who treat her with disdain. Cassandra suffers abuse, hardship and finds little love. All she really wants is to find a family and a home where she feels she belongs.
Connecting Dots is a richly textured story narrated by Cassandra. Cassandra’s character is memorable, strong, resilient, fearless and wise. In the face of such adversity and unimaginable abuse, she finds a bosom buddy in Leanna Mets, who encourages her to write her life story. As Cassandra shares her pages with Leanna, she finds writing cathartic, empowering and healing. Acting in school plays and with a kid’s theater company strengthens her resolve to never lose sight of her dream to become an actress.
The plot is strong, honest, tough and clever, with many twists and turns. When you finish, you’ll want to cheer Cassandra for connecting the dots in her life. This third installment lives up to the “Gutsy Girls” book. Connecting Dots is definitely a companion book to Home Free, where Cassandra’s friend Leanna is the protagonist.
Note to Parents: There is a mention of Cassandra being sexually abused by an uncle Ernie and punished by an aunt with an enema and beatings. Although the book is for readers 9-12, parents may want to judge their child’s maturity level.
Other Gutsy Girl Books: Finding Grace, by Becky Citra; The Contest, by Caroline Stellings; Home Free, by Sharon Jennings; and Connecting Dots, by Sharon Jennings.
Sharon Jennings has written over 60 books for young people, many of them award winners and nominees. Home Free, the prequel to Connecting Dots, was nominated for a Governor General’s Award, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, and the Silver Birch Award. Visit Sharon Jennings at her website.
Check out the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday books reviewed and listed on author Shannon Messenger’s blog.
Children's Books Heal 
Patricia, what a great review of an amazing book! Congrats to both you and Sharon. This is definitely one i’d like to read..
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Thanks Barbara. It is a quick and important read. I think it would really help kids living in difficult family situations. (Haven’t forgotten about you.)
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Quite an interesting premise for the main character to write her life story. I’ve come across quite a few children who would benefit from reading this book. Thanks for sharing. I’ve added it to my list of books to read.
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This is realistic fiction. I’m so glad you know some kids who’d benefit from this read. Not all family units are positive. I love the creative books that Second Story Press (Canadian) publishes. They seem to take a lot of risks that other presses won’t.
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wow – this sounds like a powerful story. Thanks for sharing it.
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It is powerful and realistic fiction. It could be helpful to many teens in difficult home/living situations.
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Just the opening lines broke my heart already. Sadly, I know there are kids who have suffered similar horrific events in their lives. This book sounds like it could help empower abused and unwanted kids.
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I know you don’t like sad stories. But, it is an empowering book for abused kids. Sad that you know some kids in horrific situations.
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There should be all kinds of books out there for people who need them, so I’m glad people are writing these books even though I can’t read many of them. 🙂
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You are all heart. But, I think you’d find the good in many of the realistic fiction I feature. Casandra is such a lovable and memorable character.
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She does sound like an amazing, resilient kid!
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This sounds amazing. It may be a bit tough for some middle readers though. I like the idea of the man character writing out her life story.
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It may be a tough read, but it also may be a helpful book for kids who have similar experiences. Cassandra is a resilient and memorable character determined to find her way.
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Thanks, Patricia, for this review. I hadn’t heard of this book, but I certainly want to read it.
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Thank you Rosi for visiting. It really is a good book and one that I believe would be helpful to kids dealing with similar situations.
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Wow! That sounds intense. But the sad fact that child abuse exists makes it something kids should learn about. Thanks for telling us about this story.
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Thank you Joanne! The author handled the subject so that there is a lot of good in Cassandra’s life, like her friend and her desire to be an actress.
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I can’t believe I haven’t come across Sharon Jennings before; she’s a Canadian author? The Gutsy Girls series sounds worth looking up.
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Yes, she’s a Canadian author. I review a lot of books from Canadian authors and publishers. Look up Second Story Press and check out their books. Canada has a wonderful arts council that supports authors. Unfortunately American authors can’t submit their MS.
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Sounds powerful and a hard read in a good way. Thanks for the heads up to parents about the content. I would like to read this one.
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It is a powerful read, but it has its positive moments too. I love Cassandra’s strong and determined character. Yes, felt I needed to give parents a heads up.
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Sounds like a no holds barred story with very difficult parts. Brave!
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Yes, it is a brave book. But, it really is an excellent read for kids and I hope a help for kids in similar situations.
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What a great-sounding book! And what a wonderful blog you run!
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Thank you for visiting. It is a helpful book for kids who are in similar situations. And, it is a good general read for teens who may suspect a friend is being abused at home.
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It sounds like a powerful book. It’s hard t believe that some children can be abused at all. The world has some very bad people in it. It makes me sad. I hope books like this gets people aware and then that may help it stop.
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It is a powerful book, but I agree with you that it is sad to know how difficult some kids’ lives are. I hope the book does bring awareness to the issue. And, the book gets into the hands of the kids who are struggling.
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