First Glance

Truth or Dare by Barbara Dee

I recently reached out on Twitter for some book swag for my summer book club students  Barbara Dee was one such author who answered and sent me so many bookmarks! I immediately went to the library and put her books on hold. I had to return the favor. I will admit, I had not heard of her or her books before. I am so glad I now know of her! I have a feeling her books will find a great home in my classroom and with my students.

I have just started the book, but wanted to share my first thoughts.

Summary

A few white lies during a simple game of truth or dare spin out of control and make life very complicated for Lia in this brand-new novel from Barbara Dee.

When Lia returns after a summer with her eccentric aunt, it feels like everything has changed within her group of five friends. Everyone just seems more…dramatic. And after playing a game of Truth or Dare, Lia discovers how those divides are growing wider, and tells a few white lies about what really happened over the summer in order to “keep up.” But is “keeping up” with her BFFs really worth it? –Amazon

Cover

I really love this cover, especially, the facial expressions on the girls and how colorful it is. Plus, the title just makes me want to read it! How many of us have terrifying memories of a Truth or Dare game!? It’s like a right of passage to adulthood. 

Beginning

I really think this is a perfect book for sixth graders so far. It has some friendship issues at the beginning, which are typical in middle school. Friendships change so much at this time and my students would learn a lot with this book and possibly connect with some issues they are facing as well.

In addition to friendship woes, there is also a tragic element. Lia has lost her mother.

This is a well-written book with a lot of internal dialogue, which I love.

Stay tuned with how the rest goes!