A Dream Come True

Lori McLeod is a librarian with the Toronto Public Library.

Fifteen-year-old Katie Carlton dreads her first day in high school. At
age four, she suffered hearing loss due to an ear infection and she is
very self-conscious about the two hearing aids she must wear. She is
painfully shy, and a slow learner who lacks self-esteem. But then Katie
meets Darryl Kelly, the star of the school’s basketball team. Through
Darryl, she gains entry into a new circle of friends; her schoolwork
improves; she gains self-confidence. Before Christmas, however, tragedy
strikes. When Darryl was younger, he overcame a serious drug problem.
Now, he is diagnosed as having aids, contracted through shared needles.
Just as Katie has discovered happiness, she must deal with Darryl’s
illness.

The author began this book when she was only 14. The book is
competently written and will appeal to young teenage girls. Many readers
will empathize with Katie’s experience of starting high school.

One concern, however, is that some girls will think a nice, caring boy
like Darryl will solve all their problems. Katie attributes everything
good in her life to Darryl. For example, she gets 90 percent on a math
test, and when her mother comments on the improvement, Katie responds
that she owes thanks to Darryl. Katie should recognize the extent of her
own abilities.