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Book Reviews of Looking for JJ

Looking for JJ
Looking for JJ
Author: Anne Cassidy
ISBN-13: 9780152061906
ISBN-10: 0152061908
Publication Date: 10/1/2007
Pages: 336
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 6

3.5 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

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GeniusJen avatar reviewed Looking for JJ on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com

How well do you know the people around you? How do you know they are not hiding a huge secret like their past?

This is the second book I've read recently that casts light on how murderers who are children fit into society after serving time for their crime. Anne Cassidy's new book, LOOKING FOR JJ, will keep your interest until the very end. Not only does the author give details about what happened but she lays the framework as to possible causes of why it happened -- because that is just as important. I actually found myself feeling sorry for Jennifer, the girl who committed the crime, wishing it hadn't happened to her.

Michele Livingstone is dead. She died six years ago at the hands of her friend, JJ. Jennifer Jones has paid for what happened to Michele. There is no denying that Jennifer is responsible for Michele's death, but while reading the book I came to the conclusion that she wasn't the only one to blame. Is there one thing that controls when and how aggressive someone becomes? I really believe that genetic factors may contribute to behavior, but if a child is engaging in delinquent behavior it is probably due to peer influences and lapses in parenting.

Jen's home life while growing up wasn't exactly the "Leave it to Beaver" atmosphere. Her mom certainly wouldn't win any parenting awards and from an early age Jen learned how to get by on her own, alone. Craving love, it is understandable that Jennifer had anger issues. The question is can people change? Can violent deeds of the past be forgiven with the passage of time?

Jennifer is about to be released from jail and the press has made it front page news once again. Is JJ still a danger to other children? Where is she going to live now? Will the family of the dead girl try to get revenge?

Alice Tully, like everyone else, follows the stories in the paper with keen interest. The only thing is that Alice knows something no one else does. She knows where Jennifer Jones is. Only three other people know her whereabouts. What is the connection between Alice Tully and Jennifer Jones? Why does Alice live in constant fear? Who is Alice Tully exactly? Read the book to find out.....