Tru Confessions [Hardcover]

Janet Tashjian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 1997 | Age Level: 9 and up

Twelve-year-old Tru wants two things more than anything else in the world--to find a cure for her twin brother, Eddie, who is developmentally delayed, and to create her own television show. So the day Tru learns about a teen video competition on the local cable network, she knows that this is her change to make both of her dreams come true. But the more she gets involved in the making of her video documentary about Eddie, the more Tru begins to understand his special needs and the complexity of her relationship with him. Eddie seems like a burden from time to time, but he just may be the most important person in Tru's life.

Written in the form of a computer diary, this refreshingly humorous novel, narrated by a sassy heroine,s sensitively portrays the struggles and triumph of living with a sibling with special needs.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As a 12-year-old grapples with her two ambitionsAto cure her developmentally delayed twin brother and to host her own TV showAher quirky, witty diary offers a "poignant and clever take on everyday life," said PW's starred review. Ages 9-12. (Mar.) r
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6. Trudy Walker would like to have her own TV program and find a cure for her developmentally delayed twin, Eddie. She is trying to deal with her mother's dates and worrying about getting Billy Meier to like her. Most of all, she feels guilty for being "normal" and blames herself for Eddie's condition. She tells her story through an electronic journal, though the high-tech angle loses something when put between the covers of a book. Eddie's computer-generated pictures appear throughout. Trudy plays with different fonts and occasionally adds graphics of her own. Unfortunately, the quirkiness quickly wears thin. In her attempt to get her own television show, Trudy enters her video about Eddie in a local public-access station's contest. Naturally, she wins, allowing her to preach about her brother and others like him to a wide audience. She is a loving and protective sister, though she is not above using Eddie for entertainment value herself. Perhaps her best moment comes when she realizes that she will mature, but Eddie never will. It's touching without being too sloppy. The most overdone element is her on-line chats with deedee, who is secretly Trudy's mother. This is a case of the gimmick and message getting in the way of the story. In addition, though none of the other characters ever achieves any depth, Trudy's voice at least is, well, true. A slice of life with a sermon running through it.?Patricia A. Dollisch, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 174 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (November 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805052542
• ISBN-13: 978-0805052541
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,169,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born and raised in Rhode Island, lived in Boston for the past twenty years, and am currently moving to L.A. (I will miss lots about New England but not the winters.)
I love making up stories and doing school presentations about writing. I still write most of my books in longhand -- I love the feel of a pen in my hand moving across crisp white paper. (Although I'd be lost without my MacBook.)
I have lots of ideas for stories but unfortunately not enough hours in the day to write them all.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tru Confessions, April 23, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Tru Confessions (Hardcover)

I really like the novel. It was very descriptive with people, places, and things. It also had a wonderful selection of characters with great personalities. The explainations really caught my attention. It's excellent reading.

The best part of the book was when Tru was showing her film to her friends. I thought that it was funny how they all thought that it was borning. And Eddy was very bored except for when he saw himself.

I think that the most vivid story elements were Tru and her imagination. She just had such realistic dreams. As well as the steps she took to persue them. She had downfalls and up points. Another vivid element was the theme of the story. Tu wanted to succeed in the filming industry and that dream and theme is realistic.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touches your heart, February 14, 2003

By 

Yelena Zvereva (Ocean,NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tru Confessions (Apple Signature Edition) (Paperback)

Tru is a girl who in the beginning seems very snobby.But deep down she's terrific!She doesnt seem like she loves her mentally disabled brother-but she loves him more than anything!Along the way,the times she stands up for him,is just numerous!its a terrific book and i recommend it alot.She enters a video contest,and the winner's tape is shown on tv.Can you guess who she did it about?I have only seen the movie.And i was looking for the dvd,sadly they dont have it.BUT I WANT IT SO MUCH!I swear,i cried for like an hour,the movie rocks.Now i have to read the book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sad but Happy, February 14, 2003

By 

Yelena Zvereva (Ocean,NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tru Confessions (Apple Signature Edition) (Paperback)

Tru is a girl who in the beginning seems very snobby.But deep down she's terrific!She doensnt seem like she loves her mentally disabled brother-but she loves him more than anything!Along the way,the times she stands up for him,is just numerous!its a terrific book and i recommend it alot.She enters a video contest,and the winner's tape is shown on tv.Can you guess who she did it about?