Eleven year old Gray is dealing with her mother's recent illness and how it's affected her life at home. She's also working through her thoughts about her school friendships and how valuable they really are. Gray, one of the 'Lucky Seven', the popular group at school disappears from a sleepover party.

I struggle with rating and reviewing this book. On the one hand, I'm roughly 40 years older than Gray. Perhaps I don't truly remember what it was like to be 11. On the other hand, I read a lot of juvenile fiction, not because I have to, but because I enjoy it. I thought I had a fairly good sense of realism in kids and teens. I found parts of this book highly unrealistic. I could not believe Gray would consistently make the poor choices she makes.

Here's the thing: Gray's mother had cancer. Gray has watched as one she loves and expected to protect her became helpless against a very large enemy. Does Gray's helplessness in her kidnapping situation mirror the helplessness of watching and not being able to help her mother? If that's the case, this author is actually very astute, and I'm just a sluggish reader. But as it is, I couldn't help but think, several times, that Gray's actions were not at all what a real person would do.

Now, as far as the characters left behind when Gray disappears: they were quite interesting! Very well drawn and realistic for the most part. They were just what I'd expect an awkward-aged 11-12 year old girl to be in this situation...almost. There was one point in which I didn't at all believe that anyone would be so self-centered and stupid. Also, I couldn't at all believe that the police did not question the girls with more depth than happened in the book.

All in all, I am not giving the book a star rating because I honestly can't pick a star. It was a riveting read, but not an altogether realistic one. But if it had been realistic, it might have been too frightening to read! I hope this review is a help, as I've tried to describe my thoughts on the book without too much spoilering of it.

not a very good book, more for a younger crowd ( )