December 1, 2012
Gr 8 Up-When Rose's father moves the family from the city to a quiet Ohio farming community, Rose and her two brothers know that their lives will be very different. Away from her friends and the prestigious dance camp in which she has earned a spot, the 16-year-old wonders how she will stay connected to what has gotten her through the recent loss of her mother. But when she meets her Amish neighbors, she is immediately intrigued by handsome Noah; for the first time in ages, grief and depression are replaced by something much more life-affirming. Although equally attracted, Noah is not free to date Rose. In fact, he is forbidden to be alone with her. Still, both feel a connection that is too intense to ignore and find ways to be together. Readers are exposed to the beliefs, joys, and frustrations of both teens through their alternating points of view. However, as romantic as the story may be, it is hard to connect to Noah. Though he is a charming, skilled worker who is respected as an adult in his community and knows what he wants despite the risks, he is set in his beliefs and refuses to leave his Amish community-forcing sassy, smart, and modern Rose to give up everything to live an Amish life, a sacrifice that is hard to accept.-Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA
Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.