The Lonely Ones

Gr 6–9—On the brink of adolescence, Fain Fredericks escapes from the painful realities of home and school. By night she fantasizes about going on journeys with monstrous creatures whom she rules as queen, and by day she seeks solitude at an abandoned quarry where she can brood and write. Her father is unemployed, her mother is tired and bitter, her older siblings are caught up in their own lives, and her best friend is gone. Fain feels invisible and bereft of the inner resources to cope with taunting schoolmates and uncertain boy/girl relationships. When her writing talent is recognized by a kindly teacher who enters her story in a contest, she gets the chance to shine, but circumstances overshadow her triumph. The challenge of new relationships, a disastrous party, and a crisis with her little brother converge as Fain struggles to find the courage to leave fantasy behind and embrace change. The lyrical free verse style moves the narrative swiftly along, and readers should be able to recognize Fain's nocturnal fantasies as a metaphor for her longing to escape her confusing feelings.