Folan, Karyn Langhorne. Breaking Point. (Buford High series)

Folan, Karyn Langhorne.  Breaking Point. (Buford High series)     Scholastic Press  150p  $5.99 978-0-545-39551-9      2011      hs    VG    Realistic Fiction

Vicky is an honor student at Bluford High. In this book in the popular series, she is trying to handle many stressors occurring in her life simultaneously. Her father has lost his job and is struggling to find a new one.  Her grandfather comes to live with the family because of his recent failing health, and this displaces Vicky from the sanctuary of her bedroom while she tries to cope with the family’s problems.  Additionally, her brother seems to be headed towards trouble, and the phone rings constantly with debt collectors calling.

Soon Vicky begins to fall behind in her classes because she is silently trying to deal with everything.  Her teachers, friends and boyfriend know something is wrong, but she continues to hide it, and it begins to threaten her physical health.  Eventually her father leaves the family and she, her mother, brother and abuelo lose their home; however, Vicky and her family are survivors.

Breaking Point is another successful book in the Bluford High series. It is engaging and suspenseful, and will relate to many young teens.  Its thoughtful conclusion offers hope to young-adult readers who may face similar situations in their lives.  The authors have collaborated to create a lower-reading-level novel in which the content will relate well, engage, and interest teen and young-adult readers.

This is book sixteen in the Bluford High series. There are currently eighteen titles in this series. 

Family-Fiction, High School-Fiction             --Virginia McGarvey