Remembering Raquel

Remembering Raquel
By Vivian Vande Velde
Harcourt, 2007. 137 pgs. Young Adult

Various people recall aspects of the life of Raquel Falcone, an unpopular, overweight freshman at Quail Run High School, including classmates, her parents, and the driver who struck and killed her as she was walking home from an animated film festival.

This short novel looks at the affect we have on each other, whether we realize it or not. Raquel’s classmates didn’t think much of her when she was alive, and some of their opinions didn’t change after she died. However others realized that they should be a little nicer to those around them. In the midst of tragedy, new friendships were formed. If you are looking for a short book from a variety of viewpoints, this book is for you.

AMM