Breathing

April 13, 2009
In Herbsman's debut novel, 15-year-old Savannah Brown is contending with a strict but loving mother as well as frequent, serious asthma attacks, something she inherited from her long-absent father, Trip ("he tripped right on out of our lives when I was barely out of diapers"). Savannah, who needs constant medical care and attention, begins a relationship with an older boy from out of town, and her mother is more than a little protective. Only after Jackson proves that he is a responsible and caring boyfriend does Savannah's mother begin to let go. Told in the first person and thick with Southern vernacular, the novel offers a snapshot of Savannah's quickly-changing life. Displaying maturity and independence, as well as faith in the strength of her new relationship with Jackson, Savannah decides to attend a prestigious college program for promising high school seniors. While some of the story remains underdeveloped, such as the clairvoyance that Savannah occasionally alludes to possessing, the cast of characters holds the story together, and the people in Savannah's life are warm and real. Ages 12-up.

June 1, 2009
Gr 7-10-This sappy teen romance is set during the summer in "an itty bitty town on the Carolina coast." When Savannah, 15, meets out-of-towner Jackson, 18, it's pretty much love at first sight. Savannah is plagued with uncontrolled asthma, which is used to move the plot along and provide some much-needed drama. In fact, the asthma is a metaphor for Savannah's feelings about both her father (it started the day he deserted the family 12 years ago) and Jackson (she always seems to breathe easier when he's nearby). It also serves to mirror her feelings of control over her own life. Savannah and Jackson must endure a brief, but oh-so-painful separation when he has to return home to help his newly widowed mama cope with his brothers, but true hearts are meant to be together. Though the lesson is endearing, as both teens are supportive of and sweet to one another and to their respective families, the novel itself is uninspired. Southern dialect is used in the first-person narration as well as the dialogue, and the language (sprinkled generously with cuss words) quickly becomes tedious. While many of the emotions expressed are spot-on, even devoted romance fans will soon become bored with the book's underdeveloped characters, minimal conflict, and difficult-to-believe coincidences."Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2009
Grades 7-10 Ever since she was a child, Savannah has heard her mother tell the story of Savannahs first asthma attack, which occurred on the day her dad left the family. Since then, breathing has been a challenge for Savannah. Enter Jackson Channing, a gorgeous 18-year-old who is visiting his cousins. As she spends time with Jackson, Savannahs breathing problems begin to dissipate. Then Jackson leaves for home, and Savannahs challenge is to learn to breathe on her own, without her daddy, without her mamas vigilance, and without Jacksons validating love. This debut novelis a sweet, low-key romance about a young couple who find true love early and struggle to stay together as they embrace their individual growing-up challenges. Herbsman has created likable characters and a coastal Carolina setting that will capture the readers imagination, and she subtly emphasizes the qualities that create supportive life partners. Although some may find the dialect a challenge, it is authentic, lyrical, and consistent. Readers will look forward to more from this talented new author.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2009
When Savannah meets Jackson, her world is turned upside down. As they fall in love, Savannah is convinced her asthma is improving, but that changes when Jackson has to leave town. While trying to maintain their relationship, Savannah also learns to rely on herself. Southern-folksy language helps set the scene in this heartfelt story of first love.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)