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Young Adult Fiction Violence

Impossible

by (author) Jocelyn Shipley

Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Initial publish date
Jan 2018
Category
Violence, Law & Crime, Pregnancy
Recommended Age
12 to 18
Recommended Grade
8 to 12
Recommended Reading age
12 to 18
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781459815568
    Publish Date
    Jan 2018
    List Price
    $9.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781459815582
    Publish Date
    Jan 2018
    List Price
    $0.99
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781459833135
    Publish Date
    Feb 2023
    List Price
    $10.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

All Seventeen-year-old Jemma wants now is to be a good mom to her baby daughter, Violet. But when she witnesses a violent crime she'll have to choose between keeping her baby or letting a killer walk free.

Jemma's older brother took her in when she needed to get away from her abusive ex-boyfriend, Razor. One night she needs to go out, just for a few minutes, to get diapers and ice cream. On her way back, she witnesses the drive-by shooting of a kid, Kwame, who lives in the same building. The driver is Razor. Jemma is terrified. If she tells anyone what she saw, they'll know she left her baby alone and she might lose custody. But if she doesn't, Kwame's killer will go free. Razor convinces Jemma to make a deal to save her life, but Jemma isn't sure she can live with the consequences.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

About the author

Born in London, Ontario, Jocelyn always knew she would be a writer. She has attended The Humber School for Writers, and writes for both children and adults. Her award-winning stories have appeared in anthologies, newspapers and magazines. Her books for teens include Getting A Life, Cross My Heart and Seraphina's Circle. Getting a Life and Cross My Heart were Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" selections. Seraphina's Circle was nominated for the 2007/2008 BC Stellar Award, listed in Resource Links Best of 2006, and featured in the Anne of Green Gables Book Club.

Jocelyn Shipley's profile page

Awards

  • Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
  • Commended, YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
  • Commended, YALSA Quick Picks
  • Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

Editorial Reviews

"Presents an excellent dilemma for the main character, Jemma. The reader is right there with her wondering what the best decision is. Impossible is legitimate and believable. The reader will turn the pages to find out what Jemma decides to do in the end."

Suzanne Goulden blog

"Impossible is a short novel with high interest and low vocabulary, perfect for reluctant readers in either a literature circle setting or as an independent read. It's compelling characters and linear plot will work well in middle school classrooms and libraries. The reader will empathize with Jemma, maybe even wonder what they would do faced with the same situation. But overall, Jemma has courage, strength and the maturity to realize that every action will have a consequence, and that one must face that consequence no matter what."

Resource Links

&quotAn interesting and fast paced story. Recommended.&quot

CM Magazine

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