Bibliographic Information: Dessen, S. (2006). Just Listen: A Novel. Penguin Group, New York. ISBN: 9780142410974
Plot Summary: Annabel Greene is the youngest of three sisters. She is beautiful, models and used to be popular until she was sexually assaulted by her best friend's boyfriend. Just Listen centers around Annabel's development and growth and coming to terms with her voice and ability to speak out and tell the truth. In the story Annabel falls in love with Owen, who is a loner. Owen is a great listener and helps Annabel along her journey to be truthful to herself and others. Whitney, the middle sister, moves back home due to anorexia. Kirsten, the oldest sister, ends up loving college and filmmaking.
Critical Evaluation: Just Listen is a wonderful novel that deals with important teen issues. Rape, sexual assault and the tragic emotional consequences are explored, as are anorexia and personal relationships. The novel is captivating and beautifully written.
Reader's Annotation: Annabel Greene is beautiful and popular but her life drastically changes after being sexually assaulted by her best friend's boyfriend, Will.
Information about the Author: Sarah Dessen is a Young Adult Novelist. Just Listen is her seventh novel. Sarah has spent most of her life in North Carolina. Both of her parents were professors at The University of North Carolina. Sarah received her degree in English from UNC. She always wanted to be a writer. To support herself after college she waited tables and wrote. In addition to writing, Sarah also teaches creative writing at the University of North Carolina.
Genre: Fiction/ Interpersonal Relationships/ Rape Violence
Curriculum Ties: Health/ Rape/ Anorexia
Talking Ideas: What would it be like to be beautiful and popular and your life changes drastically after being raped? What is it like after your sister wastes away to skin and bones?
Reading Level/ Interest: 14 and up
Challenge Issues: Language, reference to drug use, violence/rape
Reason for Inclusion: Sarah Dessen's beautifully written novels deal with issues that teens love to read about.
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