Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen Romance, Books about poverty or unfortunate circumstances
Similar to: Sarah Dessen Novels, Elizabeth Scott Novels
Ages: 13-30

This book was so emotionally deep that I found myself close to tears a couple of times.  Although Susane Colasanti's books are normally happy teen romances, this was more about finding your voice in the world rather than romance.

Noelle is bullied in school.  Her mother completely neglects her.  She is poor and her stomach grumbles from only having mustard and mayonnaise sandwiches, she has only a few pieces of clothing, and rides the bus to school even though she is a junior in high school.  The kids in high school are extremely brutal to Noelle, except for her good friend Sherae, a unique boy named Simon who doesn't care what people think, and a popular boy Julian.   When Julian asks Noelle out, she tries to push him away because she doesn't feel she has a place in his world.  He will see that he's way too good for her, and then Noelle will have less of a reason to keep holding on.

I feel like everyone is high school can relate to this book no matter if they've been bullied or been the bully.  I was so moved by some of the things the character Noelle had to deal with that it brought tears to my eyes because there are people who go through what she goes through everyday. Noelle perservered through it all, and so can anyone else who is going through a tough time in their life...as long as they keep holding on.