True Believer (Wolff novel) facts for kids
.jpg) |
|
| Author | Virginia Euwer Wolff |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Verse novel |
| Published | 2001 by Atheneum Books |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 264 pp |
| Awards | 2001 National Book Award for Young People's Literature 2002 Michael L. Printz Honor book |
| ISBN | 978-0-6898-2827-0 |
| OCLC | 44578822 |
| LC Class | PZ7.5.W65 |
| Preceded by | Make Lemonade |
| Followed by | This Full House |
True Believer is a verse novel for young adults. It was written by Virginia Euwer Wolff and published by Atheneum Books in 2001. A verse novel tells a story using poetry instead of regular prose.
This book has also been released as an audiobook. It was read by Heather Alicia Simms. True Believer has been translated into several languages. These include Chinese, German, Italian, and Japanese. The book won the U.S. National Book Award for Young People's Literature. It was also named a Michael L. Printz Honor book. This means it was recognized as one of the best books for young adults. A review in Publishers Weekly said that Wolff writes with "delicacy and sensitivity."
Contents
Exploring the Story: What Happens?
True Believer follows the life of LaVaughn, a fifteen-year-old girl. She lives in a challenging neighborhood. The story shares her thoughts and feelings as she grows up. LaVaughn faces many changes and learns important lessons. She deals with friendship, family, and new experiences. The book shows her journey as she tries to find her place in the world.
Meet the Characters: Who's Who?
This section introduces the main people in LaVaughn's story. Each character helps LaVaughn learn and grow.
LaVaughn: The Main Character
- Verna LaVaughn: LaVaughn is the main character and narrator. She is fifteen years old. She shares her life experiences and feelings. LaVaughn is named after her two great-aunts. She tells about falling for Jody. She also shares how her father passed away in a sad accident. LaVaughn lives with her mom in a tough neighborhood. She is determined to make a better life for herself.
LaVaughn's Family and Friends
- LaVaughn's mother: Her mother is a single parent. She works hard to raise LaVaughn alone. Her husband, LaVaughn's father, died. LaVaughn's mom is very supportive and caring. She is a strong role model for LaVaughn. The story also hints that she might find new love.
- Jody: Jody is LaVaughn's age, fifteen. He moves back into LaVaughn's apartment building. He wants to escape the challenges of their neighborhood. Jody dreams of going to college. He hopes to get a swimming scholarship. He is determined not to become another sad statistic.
- Myrtle: Myrtle is LaVaughn's best friend. They grew up together. Myrtle wants to stay on the right path. She joins a church. This decision sometimes creates distance between her and LaVaughn.
- Annie: Annie is another childhood friend. She went to school with LaVaughn and Myrtle. Annie also becomes very involved with her church. Her strong church beliefs sometimes clash with LaVaughn's questions about faith. This causes their friendship to change.
- Jolly: Jolly is an older friend of LaVaughn's. LaVaughn used to babysit Jolly's children. Jolly is eighteen and has two kids, Jeremy and Jilly. She is raising them on her own. Jolly is working hard to finish high school. She wants to create a better future for her family.
New Faces in LaVaughn's Life
- Patrick: Patrick becomes LaVaughn's new biology partner at school. He is kind to her. LaVaughn notices he wears the same green shirt often. He speaks slowly but is very good at science.
- Lester: Lester is LaVaughn's mom's new friend from work. He seems nice at first. He comes over for dinner and compliments everything. LaVaughn's mom even considers moving in with him. However, LaVaughn's mom later discovers some troubling things about Lester. She learns he used her savings. This leads her to end their relationship.
