No Place for Me

Taking place in Washington State, "No Place For Me" gives a realistic, first-person account of 12-year-old Copper Jones, the protagonist who is deserted by her stepfather while her mother is in an alcohol treatment center. He sends Copper to unwilling, mean relatives who in turn pass her on to other reluctant relatives. Eventually, Copper ends up with her odd Aunt Maggie Jones who practices witchcraft and teaches Copper how to be honest and take control of her life by first confronting her own nightmares.This was a very enjoyable and fast-paced book. The ending was a little elusive, hanging with the question of what Copper would do in a certain situation, but overall it was terrific. Highly recommended to preteen girls who can relate to Copper's situation of being alone and unwanted by family, yet finding strength from them as well.

A poignant, realistic portrayal of a young girl's struggle to find herself and to seperate her own identity from that of her alcoholic mother through her relationship with a very unusual and caring aunt.