New ebooks From Canadian Indies
Description
Luna Begay is as studious and serious about her Aboriginal heritage as her sister, Issy, is outgoing and fun. When Issy convinces Luna to go with her to a party full of rich kids, Luna is surprised to end up talking with Jon, who is charming, sophisticated, and very good-looking. But the night turns bad when Jon drugs and rapes Luna.
Feeling guilty and ashamed that she will be perceived as an "Indian slut," Luna doesn't tell anyone and remains in denial until Issy figures out that Luna is pregnant. Knowing that her decisions will affect her parents and Issy as much as her own future, Luna has to work out how to deal with the consequences of that one night, and she has to do it fast.
Contributor Notes
MELANIE FLORENCE is a full-time writer currently based in Toronto. She is the author of several books for children and teens, including Righting Canada's Wrongs: Residential Schools and Jordin Tootoo: The Highs and Lows in the Journey of the First Inuk to Play in the NHL, which was chosen as an Honor Book by the American Indian Library Association. As a freelance journalist, Melanie's byline has appeared in many magazines, including Dance International and Parents Canada. Melanie is of Plains Cree and Scottish descent.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 14 to 18
- Grade:
- 9 to 12
- Reading age:
- 7 to 10
Awards
- Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens -- Canadian Children's Book Centre
Editorial Reviews
"With Interesting characters and a fast moving plot, this book should appeal to both middle and high school girls. The subject matter is relevant and has many topics that could spark lively classroom discussions."
— Educator
"As a niche book written for reluctant YA readers One Night actually packs quite a wallop, and is sure to appeal to teenage girls who may not have yet developed a reading habit. It is both topical and contemporary and reflects many of the issues in today's news."
— Resource Links
"I adore Luna... She never begins to act out of character but she does grow throughout the novel ... Parents and other adults [are exactly as I would expect them to be. Realistically portrayed, they are at first shocked, then incredibly supportive of Luna. Her principal and teachers are understanding and concerned with her safety. I heaved a sigh of relief at this portrayal. I work at a public high school ... and I absolutely KNOW this is how it goes down there rather than the usual judgmental way portrayed in novels. (Although the students on the other hand can be brutal - also written in the novel.) Luna's parents were so fantastic. Concern for their daughter, getting her immediate medical care, discussing realistic options for after the baby is born, and supporting Luna the whole way are exactly how a parent SHOULD react. Writing adults as they are here could encourage girls to come forward about rape or pregnancy. THANK YOU MELANIE FLORENCE! ... The inclusion of so many contemporary issues (alcoholism, stereotyping, negative branding, rape, drinking, abortion, adoption, being roofied) makes it interesting and thought-provoking the whole way through."
— Librarian
"This book handled some tough subjects very well for a book aimed primarily at young adults — it is not often that you can get a book that is easy to read that covers such topics as date rape, racism, bullying, teenage pregnancy and adoption well but I am glad to have read this one — the way that author has written it makes it flow very well."
— NetGalley Reviewer
"...well-meaning addition to a genre in need of strong books."
— Kirkus Reviews
"This book deals with some serious topics that are timely and are issues teens are facing. One Night touches on aspects of racism, stereotyping, bullying, drugs, rape, and Aboriginal heritage. It would be well-paired with some recent news articles or other non-fiction pieces on any of these topics."
— CM Magazine
"A hi-lo title that reads like a Lifetime made-for-TV movie. An adequate choice for struggling readers."
— School Library Journal
"Melanie Florence's young adult novel One Night is a powerful read for all readers. Written for reluctant readers it will be read by readers at all levels... The author explores many issues — sexual abuse, bullying, teenage pregnancy, adoption, and rape. Melanie Florence's well-written and compassionate novel does not disappoint."
— Educator and NetGalley Reviewer
