Girl on the Line by Faith Gardner
Published by HarperTeen on January 19, 2021
ISBN: 0063022303
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Gardner offers readers the opportunity to look inside the thinking processes of a suicide survivor.  Her choice of name given to the protagonist reveals a path to the future.  Journey is a High School senior who we meet after she ingest pills and wakes in the local hospital.  The storyline moves powerfully forward revealing information concerning mental illness.  Journey’s dedication to helping others dealing with mental health is inspiring.    Her struggle to blend in and her notes to her future self are heartbreaking.  A revealing coming of age story that offers a positive path and hope for the future.

Gardner’s newest YA novel is well written and pleasing to the grade 8-10 reader.  Adults who work with or have teens at home are advised to give Girl on the Line a read.  The author addresses a difficult subject effectivity, one that needs to be shared with teens and adults.

Add this book to public library shelves.  School librarians will want to make this title available to high school students and staff.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME