Shut Up (Hamilton High series) by Marilyn Reynolds

Shut up is about a topic that unfortunately touches the lives of one child too many. It is narrated by a 17 year old boy who finds out that his younger brother is being sexually molested by their aunt's boyfriend. The topic of abuse is the larger part of the subject but it is only one part. The book is also about the typical life of a teen boy [friendship, work, first love] and how a family is broken apart when a single mother has to ship out to Iraq because her unit is called up. This book can be a bit mature for teens because of the subject matter but since it is something that happens the realistic nature of it needs to be addressed. The author does a good job at writing the material in a manner that will make it easier for teens to read. She addresses this sensitive material in thoughtful yet frank manner.

Grade: A-