How to Save a Life

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr. Published by Little, Brown and Company, 2011.

Jill’s father death was traumatic. She misses him and finds her usually dependable mother changing in some bizarre ways. For one thing, her mother has a sudden desire to adopt a baby and has contacted Mandy, an unwed teen mother. Jill’s mother refused to make any of these arrangements through proper legal channels and Jill’s gut instincts tell her Mandy is hiding something.

Mandy’s arrival puts more pressure on the relationship between Jill and her mother. Jill tries to share her concerns with her friends but each person has a different viewpoint about Mandy and the situation. Mandy has even formed friendships with Jill’s friends, putting an additional strain on Jill.

A blow-up in the obstetrician’s office results in a cascade of other problems. Jill finds herself bewildered about how to help her mother when many of Jill’s worries about Mandy seem to be coming true.

One thing Jill knows- she and her mother cannot take any more heartbreak.

This realistic fiction is recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Visit author Sara Zarr's website