I have so many wonderful things to say about LK Gardner-Griffie's "Tattered"; I'm not sure where to begin. This gifted writer's third book in her acclaimed Misfit McCabe series is masterfully written. Her superb use of the English language to tell a story puts "Tattered" (and its predecessors) high on the shelf with the classic books of our youth that are passed down from one generation to the next. Simply put: Gardner-Griffie's books are written to stick around for a long time.
Spirited Katie McCabe doesn't go looking for trouble, but it finds her. Navigating the world is tough for any teen, but for orphaned Katie, who lives with her Uncle Charley, finding her place in the world has its special challenges. The author is not only spot on with her teen characterizations, but also with the issues that plague so many teens today: bullying, peer pressure, censorship, cutting, relationships, drinking, and so many more.
One of the highlights of this book (and there are many) is when Katie learns that a local "morality" group has decided that many classic books, such as "To Kill A Mockingbird" should be banned from the library. The group is not satisfied with just a ban; their uneducated fury escalates into a book burning and Katie plays a leading role in stopping them, but not without consequences. Gardner-Griffie's storytelling not only excels, but she is a responsible author, taking the time to fully research what she writes. The stinging reality of her stories is a testament to the heart and soul that she puts into her work.
"Tattered", and Gardner-Griffie's two previous books in this series, "Misfit McCabe" and "Nowhere Feels Like Home" are exceptional reads for both teens and adults alike. I cannot recommend these books more highly, and as a reader, I can't wait for the next book in this standout series.
