Starred Review Believe

  • Interest Level: Grade 7 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 7

When Janine Collins was six years old, she was the only survivor of a suicide bombing that killed her parents and dozens of others. Media coverage instantly turned her into a symbol of hope, peace, faith—of whatever anyone wanted her to be. Now, on the ten-year anniversary of the bombing, reporters are camped outside her house, eager to revisit the story of the “Soul Survivor.”

Janine doesn’t want the fame—or the pressure—of being a walking miracle. But the news cycle isn’t the only thing standing between her and a normal life. Everyone wants something from her, expects something of her. Even her closest friends are urging her to use her name-recognition for a “worthy cause.” But that’s nothing compared to the hopes of Dave Armstrong—the man who, a decade ago, pulled Janine from the rubble. Now he’s a religious leader whose followers believe Janine has healing powers.

The scariest part? They might be right.

If she’s the Soul Survivor, what does she owe the people who believe in her? If she’s not the Soul Survivor, who is she?

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4677-6797-2
$23.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 7 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 7
Genre Young Adult
Copyright 2013
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Lab ®
Language English
Number of Pages 296
Publication Date 2014-08-01
Reading Counts! Level 3.8
Text Type Fiction
BISACS YAF058200, YAF051130, YAF011000
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.25 x 7.5
Lexile 510
ATOS Reading Level 3.9
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 159750
Accelerated Reader® Points 10.0
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Awards, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Awards

  • Booklist Top 10 Religion and Spirituality Books for Youth, Winner, 2013

Reviews

Starred Review Jewish Book World

“Believe is an excellent, fast-paced novel, filled with betrayal, hope and faith. Loaded with complex ideas that relate to current events of the day, it would be ideal for book clubs or discussion groups and is highly recommended for ages 12 and up.” —starred, Jewish Book World

School Library Journal

“This is a book about faith, friendship, celebrity, family, and what pressure can do to someone. Readers may or may not agree with Janine’s choices, but those choices always ring true.” —School Library Journal

VOYA

“This is a great novel to spark discussion on current affairs, living up to others’ expectations, and how fame changes lives. Teens will relate to Janine’s search for her place in this world.” —VOYA

Booklist

“Issues of religion and responsibility get a refreshingly thorny examination in this hard-nosed look at a girl thrust into an unwelcome spotlight….Nuanced relationships and a refusal to accept easy answers make this a strong, unique look at faith.” —Booklist

Nancy Werlin

“Fascinating—thoughtful, twisty, convincing.” —Nancy Werlin, New York Times bestselling author of Impossible and The Rules of Survival