Jumped

JUMPED
by Rita Williams-Garcia

2011 Tayshas Reading List

Teen

Latisha, Trina, and Dominique were all at school early for different reasons.  Latisha is misunderstood by her teachers and parents and would much rather be gossiping with friends on her cell phone than be in school.  Trina is a fashion queen and artist who is full of herself and thinks everyone else is too.  Dominique is a star basketball player that has recently been benched because of grades and is ready to take out her frustrations on the world.  Although the teens lead different lives and do not know each other, their lives become intertwined when Latisha overhears Dominique say that she is going to jump Trina after school because Trina cut into her space in the hallway.  Latisha wrestles with the idea of warning Trina or just minding her own business.  Readers come to realize we must all live with the choices we make - both good and bad.

Each chapter of this book is told from one of the three character's point of view.  By hearing from each character, I felt like I got to know each girl and know the thoughts that were driving their actions.  Rita Williams-Garcia does an excellent job of developing each character through this rotating point of view and providing the reader a connection with each of the girls.  Everyday high school culture and the urban teen culture are both well portrayed.  I feel this book could be an excellent tool for a discussion about school violence.

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