Bookinistas: THE MOCKINGBIRDS

The Roeckers were lucky enough to bring Daisy Whitney's THE MOCKINGBIRDS to Hilton Head when we went on vacation in August. Almost every member of our family took turns with her book, all of us finishing within hours. Everything from the cover, a nod to the classic TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, to the pacing, pages FLY, was pitch-perfect. Daisy's debut will not only open eyes, but it could also be used as a valuable teaching tool for young adults.

Here's what the back cover has to say:
Some schools have honor codes.

Others have handbooks.

Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it.

Lila's Take:

Daisy opens THE MOCKINGBIRDS during the hazy aftermath of a drunken stupor. Alex learns quickly that the previous night has gone horribly wrong and while she desperately tries to hide the shameful truth, The Mockingbirds, a secret organization of students, are waiting to help her not only uncover it, but seek justice. While not everyone has been sexually assaulted, I think every person can relate to Alex's character. It's all very reminiscent and fortunately, Daisy's message is a powerful one. Being taken advantage of is not okay. With all of the controversy surrounding Laurie Halse Anderson's SPEAK, it's so important for writers to continue delving into difficult issues and Daisy does this with grace. Her author's note at the end of the novel will truly resonate with readers who have ever been victimized, sought justice and have fought to overcome.


Check out what the other Bookinistas are up to this week:

            Christine Fonseca is also raving about THE MOCKINGBIRDS
            Jamie Harrington is dying over CRESCENDO.
            Michelle Hodkin is loving on some book blogs.
            Kirsten Hubbard is gushing over ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS.
            Shannon Messenger is amazed over THE SEARCH FOR WONDLA  
            Carolina Valdez Miller interviews the incredible Daisy Whitney.
            Megan Miranda is blown away by SHIP BREAKER.