Seventeen-year-old Tyler Miller has a probation officer now. Apparently, this makes him a lot cooler at school. At least beautiful Bethany Milbury seems to think so. Bethany whose brother Chip used to beat Tyler up for recreation. Tyler's 14-year-old sister Hannah hangs with Tyler's best bud Yoda.

Dad fears losing his job and forces everyone to play the part of a perfect family on homecoming night. A mom who simply endures it, with the help of some gin. Beer-crashing wild teenage shindigs. Three AP courses, calc and cheating on the loose, planning for college.

Then someone takes some compromising photographs of Bethany. The police are investigating the matter. People's computers are confiscated and lives are put on hold. Suicidal ideation fights to become reality.

"I opened my eyes to watch it reach out for me. I wanted to see Death up close and personal. I wanted to shake His hand. " 

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson, 2007

I love the realism of Laurie Halse Anderson's books; she does not sugarcoat life. I love the hope that is inspired by this story. I also like the illustration on the cover of the twisted pencil; it is so reminiscent of school days.

• Books about cyber bullying
• Books about verbal abuse
• Books by Laurie Halse Anderson
• Laurie Halse Anderson's web site