When he casts her off immediately after having sex, Ellie is devastated. Josh, who has a troubled home life, is eager to lose his virginity, and convinces Ellie to sleep with him in the back of his van. This time, the story is told through alternating points of view, the voices of four friends - Ellie, Josh, Caleb, and Corinne, who’ve known each other since childhood.Įllie has been bouncing from one boy to the next, in a desperate and futile attempt to feel loved. In Jumping Off Swings, she writes about another sensitive and potentially volatile issue: teen pregnancy. Jo really knows how to touch the heart and capture the anguish. I admired her handling of a difficult, painful subject (children abusing other children), with such sensitivity and innate awareness. I loved her pared down, straightforward prose - so evocative and compelling, not a word wasted. I remember being totally captivated and impressed with her writing from page one.

Can’t wait to read it! I’ve been a big Jo fan ever since reading her first novel, Lessons from a Dead Girl (Candlewick, 2007).

I’m so happy pub day is finally here, because I’ve been hearing so many good things about this book. *loving the fresh air blowing through my hair* Want to join me? It’s the perfect way to celebrate the official release today of Jo Knowles’s brand new young adult novel, Jumping Off Swings (Candlewick, 2009)! WooHoo! I’m swinging high above the trees, and the view is amazing.

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles