Lives of Our Own [Mass Market Paperback]

Lorri Hewett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 27, 1999

Shawna and Kari have nothing in common--except maybe a brother or sister theyve never known Dessina, Georgia, is culturally a world apart from Denver, Colorado, as Shawna Riley discovers practically on her first day of junior year. The new girl in school, she seems sophisticated and worldly to her classmates--but that doesn't help her make friends. In fact, enemies are easier to come by, including a red-haired girl named Kari Lang. Kari throws a brick through the Rileys' window after Shawna writes an editorial for the newspaper suggesting that a sacrosanct local tradition, the Old South Ball, include kids of all races. But soon something more than this ugly bias incident brings the two girls together, when they accidentally learn a secret from their parents' shared past. Shawna's father and Kari's mother both attended Dessina High School, and both disappeared for a time during their senior year. Could it be that Kari's mom had gotten pregnant? Provocative and suspenseful, this searing look into the personal and emotional implications of an uneasily integrated society once again demonstrates the truth of the axiom that the more things change, the more often they stay the same.

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

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When an African-American teen takes on racism in a small Southern town, she is drawn into a relationship with a member of an elitist all-white club. "This insightful novel raises some provocative questions about die-hard traditions," said PW. Ages 12-up. (Dec.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10?When Shawna Riley's parents divorce, she leaves Denver and moves with her father back to his hometown of Dessina, Georgia. She soon discovers that the students at Dessina High School are somewhat distant toward newcomers, especially an intelligent and wealthy black girl. Surprised by the segregated activities of this integrated high school, Shawna writes an editorial for the school newspaper asking that the Old South Ball, a tradition for the white students, be open to all. Her editorial results in violent reactions, especially from Kari Lang, a member of an exclusive club for white girls. To make matters worse, Shawna's childhood friend, Marlon, tells her that he is secretly dating Natalie, a white girl who is about to be initiated into the Etoile Club. Shawna's willingness to challenge tradition, and her desire to help Marlon and Natalie reveal their relationship, send her on a journey that ends with an unlikely friendship with Kari. Along the way, Shawna learns something about her father's past that makes her want to continue her efforts toward achieving racial equality and harmony. The conflict of the story is centered around racial prejudice, but first-amendment issues are also evident. Hewett tells the story in third person, which gives readers insight into the minds of all of the characters, creating a clear understanding of the conflict. Teenagers will admire Shawna's strength and courage, and they will hopefully make the connection between free speech and social change. A great novel for discussion.?Pat Scales, Greenville Middle School, SC
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (December 27, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141305894
• ISBN-13: 978-0141305899
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,428,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Racism, February 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lives of Our Own (Mass Market Paperback)

The story Lives Of Our Own is a story of two teenagers learning to overcome the feeling of racism in their school. In Dessina, the school Kari and Shawna attend, black's and white's do not date each other or attend the South Ball, their school's famous dance, together. Kari and Shawna had never been friends because of Kari having white skin and being popular as opposed to Shawna's black skin and a different group of friends. When they find out their parents had dated in the past, they become friends, feeling they share a secret. Kari's popular friends object to this, because Shawna wrote an article in the school newspaper implying that black's and white's should be able to attend the South Ball together. Shawna suggests that maybe their parents had a baby together, and that is why they both seem to have disappeared during their Senior Year. Together, the two teens drive to Tennessee, where Kari's mom had moved, to find out more. When they find out that her mom had to move just because of people feeling hatred towards their mixed race relationship, Kari and Shawna realize how much they have to share. When a similar relationship breaks out at their school, everyone realizes how much black and white relationships have to go through. Kari and Shawna now share a friendship understanding this. I would recommend this book to anyone who feels they have been treated unfairly due to their race. They would see they weren't alone and it happens to others. You can learn a lot by reading this book and learn about different types of friendships and relationships.

5.0 out of 5 stars Racism in Tennesee, May 29, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Lives of Our Own (Mass Market Paperback)

I would recommend this book because it teaches you a lesson. The lesson learned is that no matter what race you are, or what your skin color is, you can be friends. Also, another lesson learned, and probably a more valuable lesson, is make sure you know everything there is to know about something, before you act. Kari and Shawna ended up being very disappointed about not having a brother or sister, because they didn't find out the whole truth. This book would most likely appeal to girls, and I sure did enjoy this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Racism in Tennesee, May 28, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Lives of Our Own (Mass Market Paperback)

I would recommend this book because it teaches you a lesson. The lesson learned is that no matter what race you are, or what your skin color is, you can be friends. Also, another lesson learned, and probably a more valuable lesson, is make sure you know everything there is to know about something, before you act. Kari and Shawna ended up being very disappointed about not having a brother or sister, because they didn't find out the whole truth. This book would most likely appeal to girls, and I sure did enjoy this book!