Shrimp by Rachel Cohn

• ISBN: 978-0689866135
• Plot summary: Upon her return back from New York City, Cyd Charisse has mended much of the fray between she and her family members, but still mourns the loss of her relationship with Shrimp. When she left for the summer Shrimp through it would be best if they took a break, especially while her crush on her brother was so obvious. She decides that if she can't depend on her true love, she'll have to make friends. Girl. Friends. On top of that, her step dad has offered to employ her in his new restaurant venture, Sugar Pie is getting married, and her brother Danny from New York will be moving to town. With all the excitement, you think Cyd Charisse would be too busy to worry about her relationship with Shrimp, but the boy stays on her mind and she's not quite sure what to do about it.
• Critical evaluation: In the continuation of Cyd Charisse's story, we find her more secure in her skin, and this new security she has found is missing one thing: Shrimp. While wishing he would decide they could be more than friends again, Cyd Charisse's sets about getting the rest of her life in order. I think this is a proactive position to present, even if the author, Rachel Cohn, did not intend it to work out like that. Instead of hiding away in her room pining for Shrimp, Cyd Charisse works on the other things in life that are important, and when she gets the chance, she divulges to Shrimp one of her darkest secrets (of having an abortion while away at boarding school). The attitude of honesty and carrying on with one's life despite setbacks is encouraging for any reader.
• Reader's annotation: Cyd Charisse has everything back in order, but no Shrimp in her life.978-0689857706
• About the author: Rachel Cohn lives in New York City where she channels her own past and her favorite teen authors (Blume, Konigsburg, Conford) when writing for young adults.
• Genre: Fiction
• Curriculum ties, if any: None
• Booktalking ideas:
• Cyd Charisse gives her beloved doll Gingerbread to her young sister. Were you ever close to an item growing up that you have let go of?
• Reading level/interest age: 15+
• Challenge issues: Sexuality, substance usage, profanity
• Why was this item included? This series of books was recommended to me by my younger sister.