Don’t Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon
ISBN: 978-0-0621-0290-4
Gagnon, M. (2012). Don’t turn around. New York: Harper.
Plot Summary
Noa, a foster child runaway, wakes up strapped to a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Across town Peter, the only son of a wealthy couple, decides to rifle through his father’s papers and computer, and uncovers something named AMRF. Minutes later, his front door is kicked in, he’s held to the ground, his laptop is taken, and given a warning to mind his own business and tell his parents. Noa manages to escape, but has lost everything she owns and suspects her apartment is being watched. A skilled computer hacker, Noa has created a fake foster father who does computer consulting and transfers his money into Noa’s bank account. Without her debit card, Noa is cut off from all her money, and needs help soon. Peter is the founder of the hacker site /ALLIANCE/ and contacts Noa to investigate AMRF. The two team up to uncover AMRF’s secrets and discover much more than they bargained. Not knowing whom to trust, Noa and Peter move constantly, hiding all traces of their whereabouts, and try to figure out what is going on.
Critical Evaluation
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for teens, Noa is not a wannabe Lisbeth Salandar she is the teen version. A startling beginning slows down while the protagonists find their bearings, then develops quickly as a race to find information before others do. Noa is a computer genius, and Peter not far behind her, but their skills never seen unrealistic. Sure, it is highly unlikely a real Noa could create a life for herself the way she has in a novel, but she is so savvy it just might work. Peter’s parents are shockingly self-absorbed and negligent, but their involvement with corrupt companies may explain their private attitudes. As with other computer and technology heavy novels, some jargon will be confusing or unnecessary to some, but is deftly kept to a minimum with basic explanations. Surprises abound, including the sudden murder of a friend, introduced just recently. Romance between the two is never touched upon, but as they are running for their lives, romance is hardly their biggest concern. Hearts will race at the final encounter at an apparently abandoned warehouse. The ending leaves a definite opening for a sequel, as teens will want to see Peter and Noa vindicated, as well as answers about why and how they became caught up in the whole mess.
Reader’s Annotation
Noa, a sixteen-year-old runaway, and Peter, the son of a wealthy couple, use their computer hacking knowledge to find out more about AMRF. AMRF is a secret organization that Peter’s parents invest in, and seemingly kidnapped Noa.
About the Author
Michelle Gagnon has written seven books, including two for young adults. Her first young adult novel, Don’t Turn Around, is the first in a trilogy described as Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for teens. Don’t Turn Around received starred reviews from Kirkus, VOYA, and School Library Journal. It was also chosen by the Texas State Library Association for their recommended teen reading list. Gagnon’s novels have been published in over 12 countries. All are crime or thrillers, including her upcoming young adult novel Strangelets, published later this year.
Michelle Gagnon was born in 1971 and has held a variety of jobs. Before turning to writing, Gagnon was a modern dancer, dog walker, bartender, freelance journalist, personal trainer, model, and Russian supper club performer. Gagnon has two blogs The Kill Zone and the YA thriller blog ADR3NALIN3 where she writes about life, writing, and things that annoy her. She holds duel citizenship for Ireland and the United States. Gagnon loves Hollywood movies, and divides her time between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Genre
Thriller
Curriculum Ties
Computer Programming
Booktalking
Similarities between Noa and Lisbeth Salander.
Discussion of Peter having /ALLIANCE/ members brick AMRF. Justified? Ethical?
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: 7th grade
IL: 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues may include brief mention of homosexual relationship and runaway foster children.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I loved the Millennium Trilogy and Noa was described as a teen Lisbeth Salander.
Others in the Series
No Escape (Book #0.5)
Don’t Look Now (Book #2)
References
Gagnon, M. (2013). Michelle. Retrieved from http://www.michellegagnon.com/michelle.php
ISBN: 978-0-0621-0290-4
Gagnon, M. (2012). Don’t turn around. New York: Harper.
Plot Summary
Noa, a foster child runaway, wakes up strapped to a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Across town Peter, the only son of a wealthy couple, decides to rifle through his father’s papers and computer, and uncovers something named AMRF. Minutes later, his front door is kicked in, he’s held to the ground, his laptop is taken, and given a warning to mind his own business and tell his parents. Noa manages to escape, but has lost everything she owns and suspects her apartment is being watched. A skilled computer hacker, Noa has created a fake foster father who does computer consulting and transfers his money into Noa’s bank account. Without her debit card, Noa is cut off from all her money, and needs help soon. Peter is the founder of the hacker site /ALLIANCE/ and contacts Noa to investigate AMRF. The two team up to uncover AMRF’s secrets and discover much more than they bargained. Not knowing whom to trust, Noa and Peter move constantly, hiding all traces of their whereabouts, and try to figure out what is going on.
Critical Evaluation
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for teens, Noa is not a wannabe Lisbeth Salandar she is the teen version. A startling beginning slows down while the protagonists find their bearings, then develops quickly as a race to find information before others do. Noa is a computer genius, and Peter not far behind her, but their skills never seen unrealistic. Sure, it is highly unlikely a real Noa could create a life for herself the way she has in a novel, but she is so savvy it just might work. Peter’s parents are shockingly self-absorbed and negligent, but their involvement with corrupt companies may explain their private attitudes. As with other computer and technology heavy novels, some jargon will be confusing or unnecessary to some, but is deftly kept to a minimum with basic explanations. Surprises abound, including the sudden murder of a friend, introduced just recently. Romance between the two is never touched upon, but as they are running for their lives, romance is hardly their biggest concern. Hearts will race at the final encounter at an apparently abandoned warehouse. The ending leaves a definite opening for a sequel, as teens will want to see Peter and Noa vindicated, as well as answers about why and how they became caught up in the whole mess.
Reader’s Annotation
Noa, a sixteen-year-old runaway, and Peter, the son of a wealthy couple, use their computer hacking knowledge to find out more about AMRF. AMRF is a secret organization that Peter’s parents invest in, and seemingly kidnapped Noa.
About the Author
Michelle Gagnon has written seven books, including two for young adults. Her first young adult novel, Don’t Turn Around, is the first in a trilogy described as Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for teens. Don’t Turn Around received starred reviews from Kirkus, VOYA, and School Library Journal. It was also chosen by the Texas State Library Association for their recommended teen reading list. Gagnon’s novels have been published in over 12 countries. All are crime or thrillers, including her upcoming young adult novel Strangelets, published later this year.
Michelle Gagnon was born in 1971 and has held a variety of jobs. Before turning to writing, Gagnon was a modern dancer, dog walker, bartender, freelance journalist, personal trainer, model, and Russian supper club performer. Gagnon has two blogs The Kill Zone and the YA thriller blog ADR3NALIN3 where she writes about life, writing, and things that annoy her. She holds duel citizenship for Ireland and the United States. Gagnon loves Hollywood movies, and divides her time between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Genre
Thriller
Curriculum Ties
Computer Programming
Booktalking
Similarities between Noa and Lisbeth Salander.
Discussion of Peter having /ALLIANCE/ members brick AMRF. Justified? Ethical?
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: 7th grade
IL: 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues may include brief mention of homosexual relationship and runaway foster children.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I loved the Millennium Trilogy and Noa was described as a teen Lisbeth Salander.
Others in the Series
No Escape (Book #0.5)
Don’t Look Now (Book #2)
References
Gagnon, M. (2013). Michelle. Retrieved from http://www.michellegagnon.com/michelle.php
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