Don't Look and It Won't Hurt

"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


Genre: Young Adult Fiction