Stalked. (SideStreets). Christine Hart. Toronto, ON: Lorimer, 2010. 143 pp., pbk., hc. & eBook, $9.95 (pbk.), $16.95 (hc.), $8.95 (eBook). ISBN 978-1-55277-533-2 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55277-534-9 (hc.), ISBN 978-1-55277-532-5 (eBook). Grades 9-11 / Ages 14 16. Review by Maggie Standish. **½ /4

excerpt:

She opened her mouth to thank him, but Derek had leaned in too close. This seemed to be crossing a line.

In the summer prior to her senior year of high school, Amy, along with her best friend, gets hired for a summer position helping at a resort. Because a strong reference letter is needed if Amy wants a scholarship for costume design, she decides to talk to Derek, the person who hired her, about the need for a letter. He does agree, but Amy will soon wish he hadn't. By the end of the novel, she is fighting against attempted rape.

     Stalked is written in the third person point of view, though one can still know what Amy is thinking. Readers still get only Amy's impressions and thoughts as the book continues. There are some main secondary characters, but they are mostly one dimensional. Since Hart made the plot completely linear, it is easy for readers to follow. However, with the lack of progressive development on the part of Amy, a couple of her reactions seem a bit out of place. Amy does learn how to stand up for herself and is a stronger character by the end.

     The writing is clear with simple description to emphasize mood. Stalked is fairly easy to read (Reading level 5.6.) and, with the subject being of a more mature nature, I feel better recommending this hi-lo novel for an older audience. There is mention of sex and rape, and so this book might not appeal to younger readers. Stalked will probably be more enjoyed by girls as most of the male characters are one dimensional and a bit stereotypical.

Recommended with reservations.

Maggie Standish is an MLIS graduate who lives in North Bay, ON.

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