Dont Look and It Wont Hurt [Paperback]

Richard Peck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1992

A teenage girl struggles to understand her place within her family and in the world.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Claypitts, Pearl of the Prairie... it's the kind of town you drive right through without noticing... it's where we live... three not-exceptional daughters and one exasperated mother." So starts Carol Patterson's story, the story of a 15-year-old middle child who longs for a life less ordinary, one outside the boundaries of Claypitts and her mother's expectations. Carol has always been a responsible, stoic soul, helping her single working mom by caring for younger sister Liz and steering clear of older sister Ellen's bad habits and reputation. Carol lives her life safely in the middle--never too sad, but never very happy, either. It is only when Ellen upsets the balance of the small family by getting pregnant and moving to a home for unwed mothers that Carol finds herself taking thrilling risks like dating the school bad boy and sneaking away in the middle of the night to visit Ellen. After years of turning away from problems so they couldn't hurt her, Carol suddenly realizes that she must experience life's pain in order to better recognize its joys.

This debut novel by legendary young adult author Richard Peck--back in print after 27 years--is a quiet story whose strength is in its timelessness. Today's teens will quickly recognize their own conflicting desires as they identify with Carol's need to stay safe yet at the same time explore new territory. Don't Look and It Won't Hurt foreshadowed Richard Peck's brilliant writing career and makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read, whether you're diving in fresh or revisiting an old friend. (Ages 12 to 15) --Jennifer Hubert --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

This affecting novel concerns a 16-year-old girl who faces personal adversities on many fronts. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Laure Leaf (April 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380007819
• ISBN-13: 978-0380007813
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,337,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Richard Peck has written over twenty novels, and in the process has become one of America's most highly respected writers for young adults. A versatile writer, he is beloved by middle graders as well as young adults for his mysteries and coming-of-age novels. He now lives in New York City. In addition to writing, he spends a great deal of time traveling around the country attending speaking engagements at conferences, schools and libraries...Mr. Peck has won a number of major awards for the body of his work, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award from School Library Journal, the National Council of Teachers of English/ALAN Award, and the 1991 Medallion from the University of Southern Mississippi. Virtually every publication and association in the field of children s literature has recommended his books, including Mystery Writers of America which twice gave him their Edgar Allan Poe Award. Dial Books for Young Readers is honored to welcome Richard Peck to its list with Lost in Cyberspace and its sequel The Great Interactive Dream Machine...

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't Look and it Wont Hurt, March 3, 2000

By 

Laurie (Mannford Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don't Look and It Won't Hurt (Hardcover)

A readers first impression of Don't Look and it wont Hurt by Richard Peck, is if you are a teenager, you could identify with the normal problems teenagers do. This is a book of suspense and courage. This is a great book and I encourage you to read it. Claypitts, known as the "Pearl of the Prairie," is where the Patterson's live. Liz the youngest, Carol in the middle, and the oldest is Ellen. Claypitts is the kind of town you drive right through and don't even notice. Even thought it is small it still has its share of problems. Kids using drugs and teenagers getting pregnant. Carol Patterson is a girl in the middle; in the middle of her sisters, in the middle of her adolescence, and in the middle of her families many problems. At Carol's high school her shyness and ragged clothes maker her outcast. When Carol and Liz get together her shyness goes away. They let their imaginations take them places they've never been before. An unexpected turn happens in Carol's life when she finds out her older sister Ellen is pregnant. Through it all Carol changes in a way she has never changed before. Don't Look and it won't hurt; in my opinion is a great book. Anyone could read it even if you aren't the best of readers. It has a satisfying ending which you will love. Don't Look and it Wont Hurt will touch you with its honesty and sensitivity.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fighting Against the Odds, August 2, 2007

By 

James Charnock (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don't Look and It Won't Hurt (Hardcover)

She has no father to speak of. Her mother, who works hard but gets nowhere, is skilled at trying to be in charge, but not at being close or understanding. Her older teenage sister, who does pretty much as she pleases, turns into an unwed mother. Only her little sister is close to her.

Carol doesn't particularly like her town or her school or herself, but you'll find her open and honest and her story very moving.

[Realistic fiction suitable for junior high to high school.]

The Creative Teacher: Activities for Language Arts (Grades 4 through 8 and Up)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is over all a good read., September 23, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Minnesota, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don't Look and It Won't Hurt (Hardcover)

Don't look and it won't hurt is a very good book. I reccomend it to anyone who likes to read about families in the '70's.