What Parents Should Know
Emotions rage as Janie tries to adjust to living with new
parents. The writing and story sweep along, especially for
readers who enjoyed the first book in the series.
Common Sense Media Review
Those who have read the first book in this series will rush
to find out WHATEVER HAPPENED TO JANIE? in this sequel.
Although Caroline Cooney includes an explanation of Janie's
kidnapping from the first book, the clarification comes so late
into the story that readers who have not read the earlier
installment will be confused.
Teenagers struggling to find their own identities, however, easily understand and empathize with Janie as she tries to become a daughter to strangers. Everything in the Spring household differs radically from her home in Connecticut.
With five children, no privacy exists. Her wardrobe can't possibly fit into the half of a closet she's allowed. Her bed almost won't fit into the tiny bedroom she must share with her sister. The Springs are religious and go to mass every Sunday, another new and incomprehensible experience for Janie. She has no idea how to deal with having brothers and sisters.
She recognizes that her new family, especially her parents, are good people who truly love her. She doesn't want to hurt them further, yet she also knows the situation is destroying the parents she knows. The Springs try to make Janie do the impossible. At the age of fifteen, Janie can't suddenly forget her entire childhood and begin to become another person. In the end, Mrs. Spring loves her enough to give her up, and drives her back to Connecticut.
All of these swirling emotions speak to young readers, many of whom struggle to deal with divorce and stepparents in two different homes. They will want to read the next book in the series, The Voice on the Radio.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
