Holly's Secret

Holly’s Secret. Nancy Garden. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2000. 132 pages. $16.00 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-374-33273-8. Grades 5-8.

Have you ever wanted to become someone else? Holly Lawrence-Jones wants this more than anything, but assuming a new name and identity comes with a price. Holly and her brother Will were adopted by the most loving parents in the world and have a great life, but when their family moves from Manhattan to Harrison, Massachusetts, Holly decides it is time to start over and enact “The Plan.” This plan consists of adopting the name Yvette, having long hair, being more girly, and most importantly not telling people she has two moms. Her moms Lisa and KJ are hurt to hear of Holly’s new deceit and warn her that lies are often hard to keep up. Holly learns the hard way that they are right, and that it is better to be true to yourself. Garden has written a heart wrenching story about the struggles of growing up amidst prejudice, stereotypes, and general ignorance. Single gender households are becoming increasingly popular, but the struggles for children and parents still exist. Gardner emphasizes how love and acceptance is one way to keep these families together and how true friends will stay by your side no matter what. Gardner exposes that although life is sometimes difficult, you must turn the other cheek and hold on to the love you have. Highly Recommended