My Lost and Found Life.

Melodie Bowsher. 2006. New York: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books. 320 pages. ISBN 978-1-59990-155-8.

Plot Summary:When the book begins Ashley is a self-centered, well-off girl who has everything—she was prom queen, had the handsome boyfriend and got pretty much anything she wanted. But as the school year ends her mom disappears, accused of embezzlement. Ashley must figure out how to make her own way in the world. Surprisingly, she does. Forced to leave her old life behind, Ashley comes to put a life together for herself. It’s a frightening story—Ashley really has no one to count on and comes close to homelessness. But she is nothing if not resourceful. This book chronicles her story, step by painful step. In this story of becoming an adult, Ashley develops from self-centered to self-aware.

Critical Evaluation:This coming of age story is told entirely from Ashley’s viewpoint. Sometimes the characters seem somewhat two-dimensional, but that may be because the reader only sees them from Ashley’s point of view. The story, covering one year of Ashley’s life, is fast-paced. Although the plot may seem negative, the book is upbeat because Ashley is a success. Her adventures of facing the travails of adult life make a very good story.

About the Author: Melodie Bowsher was born and grew up in Kansas. She got her degree in journalism in three years, and won a first place award in investigative journalism from the Randolph Hearst Foundation. After getting a degree in journalism, she became at age 20 the first woman to work for the Wall Street Journal’s as a staff reporter. Bowsher later moved to San Francisco, where My Lost and Found Life takes place. She worked in corporate communications, than became a soccer mom in the San Francisco bay area. This is her first novel. Her website is http://www.melodiebowsher.com/

Challenge Issues: In this book the characters have sex and there is also an incident where the main character uses illegal drugs. This book is for older teens. Challenge issues should be countered with the book’s positive reviews and the fact that it won a “Perfect 10” rating from Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA).

Why Chosen: I chose this book because of the "Perfect 10" rating from VOYA.