Searching for Selene

by Lael Littke

Sixteen-year-old Selene's world turns upside-down when she learns that she was abducted as a three-year-old child and her birth parents seek to reestablish a relationship with her.

203 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

About the author

Daughter of Frank George and Ada Geneva (Petersen) Jensen; married George C. Littke (a college professor), June 29, 1954; children: Lori S. Education: Utah State University, B.S., 1952; graduate study at City College (now City University of New York), 1955-59, and University of California--Los Angeles, 1968. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Hobbies and other interests: Travel. Memberships: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Council on Children's Literature. Agent: Jack Byrne, 3209 South Fifty-fifth St., Milwaukee, WI 53219-4433.

CAREER:

Gates Rubber Co., Denver, CO, secretary, 1952-54; Life Insurance Association of America, New York, NY, secretary, 1954-60; worked as a medical secretary for a physician in New York, NY, 1960-63; writer, 1963--. Taught writing classes in writers' programs at Pasadena City College and University of California--Los Angeles, 1978-88.

AWARDS:

Southern California Council on Children's Literature Award for notable work of fiction, 1992, for Blue Skye; Best Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library, 2003, for Lake of Secrets.

Reviews

[Kezia Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the plot

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to give such a review, but honestly, this book was horrible. The biggest thing was it was just so unrealistic. Very overdramatic, yet also simplistic and juvenile. I feel like there was material here for something good, but it was poorly executed. And her "real family" refusing to respect her name or different life... can you say abusive? Then she suddenly loves them. Just... no. I mean, it was clean, I guess it's got that going for it. I'm sorry to be so harsh. I finished it honestly to see if they let her return to her other family or not. Otherwise wouldn't have.

[Anna Shiverdecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Easy to read and a nice story. It was better than I expected actually. There were things I didn't quite jive with (the main character's lists and parts of dialogue) but overall a good read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cake and a mystery.

[Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on a girl who was separated from her parents at birth and they locate her when she's already settled with a family at the age of like 14. I think her real family is LDS and she's being introduced or the other way around. It's quite good especailly since my MOM reccomended it to me. We own it if you interested.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unsure why I pick this book up from the library. But I am glad I did. It was very touching and heart-warming. A young girl rip from her family at a very young age. Yet she was raised by a very loving family. Who loved her and wanted only the best for her. How her life would change in just a few short weeks. For the better??? It was very enjoyable. I am glad I did pick it up.

[Jenny Mckinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet LDS domestic fiction, I enjoyed the work of this author. I would have enjoyed a little more to the story of Selene's background and more details overall. All in all, I thought it was a nice book and a quick read.

[Erin]

this really made me glad to know who my parents are.

[Holli · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good i loved it!!! =)