Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti

Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti
Release Date: May 31, 2012
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 224

Summary: A romantic and empowering book about bullying

Noelle's life is all about survival. Even her best friend doesn't know how much she gets bullied, or the ways her mom neglects her. Noelle's kept so much about her life a secret for so long that when her longtime crush Julian Porter starts paying attention to her, she's terrified. Surely it's safer to stay hidden than to risk the pain of a broken heart. But when the antagonism of her classmates takes a dramatic turn, Noelle realizes it's time to stand up for herself--and for the love that keeps her holding on.

My Thoughts: Wow, what an amazing book. I love Colasanti’s book, always have, always will, at least I hope so.

We are introduced to Noelle who is in high school. She has a best friend Sherae who really doesn’t know all that much about her. She also has a boyfriend Matt. I never really liked him much. He doesn’t want anyone to know about their relationship so he pretty much ignores her except for when he’s making out with her.

She also has a friend named Simon who she really admires. Simon was such a nice guy. She also has a crush on a boy named Julian. Julian was awesome! You could just tell that he was a nice guy and one who wouldn’t judge her.

Noelle has a rough life. Her father abandoned her, her mother ignores her, and isn’t really like a mother at all. She has no real family so to speak of. She  doesn’t wear the latest trends, she doesn’t have the cutest things, she doesn’t even have a drivers license like all the other teens do. She wears shoes that she writes lyrics on.

Noelle is constantly getting bullied. People call her rotten eggs. People shot paint guns at her, they make fun of her lunches because she has to dig around in her house to see what she can find for lunch. One day she even takes a lettuce sandwich.

I felt so sorry for Noelle throughout the book. I’m happy that she was so strong and didn’t let people get her down, but I could feel her anger, her sorrow, and her embarrassment. There were times when I could relate to her story. I felt like I knew what she was going through.

Even though she liked Julian and he had feelings for her back, she fought her feelings throughout most of the book. I wouldn't call this one a romance, even though romance does happen. Keep Holding On is more about bullying and how it can affect our lives each and every day.

Honestly, Keep Holding On should be a required read in school. I truly believe that.

Just like all of Colasanti books Keep Holding On was a wonderful book. It’s one of a kind. It isn’t all cupcakes and cherry pops though. It’s sad, it's devastating, and it could break your heart into a million pieces.

Overall: What an amazing story. There were times I cried for Noelle. I couldn’t hold it in, its heartbreaking. Not a story for everyone no doubt but one you will remember and think about for days after reading.

Keep Holding On is a book every person should read, no matter who you are.

Yes, its only around 230 pages but its so worth the read so go get your copy today!

Cover: Love it. When I first saw the cover for this book, I fell in love! From their clothes to the lockers, the colors are amazing and wonderful. Even the way they are standing totally fits!

What I’d Give It: