Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

 Lock and Key 
by Sarah Dessen



[Have set of keys handy & also decorative key on chain if possible to introduce the book]

If you've read Sarah Dressen's Just Listen you already know her characters from their dialogue, and of course the title comes from within the pages.

So, Lock and Key is symbolic to this story: a key can both shut and open; close up and start up.  (show your house key and car key)

Ruby, abandoned by her alcoholic Mom and caught faking a family life, is awkwardly dropped into older sister Coras successful suburban routine. Ruby's tough exterior independence slowly dissolves as she copes with  family, new school and cute but shy next door classmate Nate. 

And what about the symbol of the word lock? It refers to the Rubys abandoned old house, her true feelings ... and much more that youll figure out as you read Lock and Key.

(booktalk by Lyla Anderson, Haller Middle School & Post Middle School Librarian)


Lock and Key 
by Sarah Dessen



Do you think you could live alone, if your parents abandoned you? There you are in  your house: the bills need to be paid, you need to have food, you need to go to school. How long could you get away with it before anyone noticed?

In her little yellow house, Ruby does just that, after her mom takes off. It's almost impossibly hard, but it's hers.

It doesn't last. The authorities find out and soon she's halfway across the country staying with her Aunt Cora Ruby wonders what's wrong with her, why she can't stop aching for her old, difficult life, when everything is so perfect now. Her new family is kind and caring and nice. She lives in a beautiful new home, she's given nice clothes, good food. Her next door neighbor Nate is this great new guy. What's wrong with Ruby?

And what's wrong with Nate? He has secrets, too, and together Ruby and Nate might just be able to unlock each other's hearts. 
(booktalk by Kirsten Edwards, King County Library System)

Watch the video book trailer