Blister

by SusanShreve (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2001

  $6.18

  Resilience. Alyssa Reed's grandma Daisy G. has it. Alyssa's mom clearly doesn't. What about skinny, redheaded Alyssa? Before the year in which this story takes place she hadn't ever even considered the question. Life just seemed fine. She didn't really notice the distance between her parents, or that her mom could be down a lot. And even if there Was a strain between her mom and dad, everything was going to be great when the new baby arrived: Lila Rose. Her little sister. But Lila Rose doesn't survive, and neither does Alyssa's parents' marriage. Reality has driven through Alyssa's eleven-year-old life like a runaway train, and she has no one to help her deal with it.That's when she decides to become Blister and make things go her way, even if it hurts.

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $38.18

  None of us has control, says Alyssa Reed's father. Alyssa knows he's lying. Yes, her baby sister died. Stillborn. No one could control that. But her father moved their family to a new town, then moved out. Nobody made him. Her mother stays in bed and cries all day. She doesn't have to. Her grandmother Daisy G is too busy to help. That's her choice. No matter what the grown-ups say, they hold some power Alyssa doesn't have. So Alyssa decides to take control of her own life. Get new friends. Try out for cheerleader. Find some cool clothes-in her dad's girlfriend's suitcase. And pick a new name:BLISTER, a sore spot, a raw place no one can ignore.