Heaven

Angela Johnson's novel, Heaven, tells Marley's story. Everything is going well for Marley in her fourteenth summer; she has a job babysitting an adorable and lovable toddler whose father is a great role model for Marley. She has an eccentric, one-of-kind best friend, and her family is tight-knit, fun and loving. She frequently receives letters from her Uncle Jack, who is mostly a mystery to her, but a large part of her life just the same.

Her life is almost blissful until she hears her parents talking about something they should have told her much sooner. When they finally do tell her, it sends her world spinning, and she suddenly feels like she doesn't know who she is or who anyone around her is.

It's a story of identity and secrets, and I really enjoyed it. If I were to teach it, I think I'd use it as a literature circle choice, rather than a whole class text. Although it's not universal in subject, Heaven certainly speaks to shaken identities and the bonds we form with those we love.