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Connecting Dots by Sharon Jennings
Cassandra Jovanovich has finally found a home where she feels she belongs. All she wants to do is forget her past and pursue her dream of becoming an actress. But her new friend, Leanna Mets, “the most annoying person she has ever met,” wants to know how Cassandra became an orphan and encourages her to write her story. Cassandra’s memories reveal how the death of her grandmother and the cruelty of the other adults in her life turned her from a happy child into the distrustful, secretive twelve-year-old she has become. Leanna's friendship helps Cassandra to see beauty in the pattern that is her life and to hold on to her dreams.
- GenresMiddle GradeChildrens
Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 17, 2018
Conceptualised and penned as a companion piece to her Home Free, Sharon Jennings' Connecting Dots (which like Home Free is also part of Second Story Press's Gutsy Girls series) basically features the same main protagonists as Home Free (namely Leanna Mets and Cassie Jovanovich), but Connecting Dots is not so much Leanna's story anymore but focusses mainly and in particular on Cassie (with Cassie being encouraged by Leanna to write out, to journalise her life story, and to indeed connect the dots with regard to the traumatic events of her abusive and neglected childhood, both for writing practice and also and in my opinion actually much more importantly for catharsis and comprehension, understanding, for through writing her often painful memories down on paper positively and therapeutically dealing with the almost constant pain of both mental and physical trauma Cassie has experienced from her family, from those who generally are considered to supposedly be our nearest and dearest).
And indeed, Cassie's story (which is penned by Sharon Jennings in an authentic to Cassie, to Cassie writing her personal account, voice) is in many ways so absolutely and horribly painful that I have had to actually pace my reading into small and manageable chunks. For the constant abuse, both verbal and physical and even sadly at times sexual (and mostly from family members) is relentless, is portrayed so realistically and starkly that perusing too much of Connecting Dots in one sitting has actually often been nigh unbearable, making me feel both emotionally and physically exhausted and numb. Therefore, while I definitely do much appreciate the rawness of Cassie's life account, while I have found the at times minutely descriptive and horrifying background reasons of why in Home Free, Cassie Jovanovich is portrayed, is shown by the author, by Sharon Jennings, as such an aloof, suspicious and at times very easily and quick to explode in anger individual both evocative and yes also a much necessary bit of essential information, personally I have also found Connecting Dots almost a trifle too difficult to peruse at times, infuriating, anger-inducing, but nevertheless also a wonderfully realistic and yes a very much emotionally enthralling, indeed important and even very definitely required reading experience (with a lovely and intense sense of both time and place, with much historical and cultural details being presented in Connecting Dots and also, importantly, demonstrating that the so-called good old days were often not really that for many individuals and that for young Cassie, the stigma of her illegitimacy, of being the daughter of a single mother who also ended up abandoning her, has left her a so-called fair game target for nastiness, for abuse, both from society in general and from her very much dysfunctional and intrinsically vile, judgmental "family" although thankfully, Mary and Peter, the family members with whom Cassie is now living, do appear as the glowing and shining exceptions to this, totally accepting Cassie and not considering her a burden and someone who is a source for and of shame).
Highly recommended, but with the caveat that due to the subject matter, the themes presented and featured, and that much of Connecting Dots is truly horrifying and incredibly saddening, potentially emotionally traumatic, it would definitely be best and most useful if Connecting Dots were to be read by the intended age group, by older children (and in particular girls) from about the ages of nine to twelve, with both parental guidance and discussion.
And indeed, Cassie's story (which is penned by Sharon Jennings in an authentic to Cassie, to Cassie writing her personal account, voice) is in many ways so absolutely and horribly painful that I have had to actually pace my reading into small and manageable chunks. For the constant abuse, both verbal and physical and even sadly at times sexual (and mostly from family members) is relentless, is portrayed so realistically and starkly that perusing too much of Connecting Dots in one sitting has actually often been nigh unbearable, making me feel both emotionally and physically exhausted and numb. Therefore, while I definitely do much appreciate the rawness of Cassie's life account, while I have found the at times minutely descriptive and horrifying background reasons of why in Home Free, Cassie Jovanovich is portrayed, is shown by the author, by Sharon Jennings, as such an aloof, suspicious and at times very easily and quick to explode in anger individual both evocative and yes also a much necessary bit of essential information, personally I have also found Connecting Dots almost a trifle too difficult to peruse at times, infuriating, anger-inducing, but nevertheless also a wonderfully realistic and yes a very much emotionally enthralling, indeed important and even very definitely required reading experience (with a lovely and intense sense of both time and place, with much historical and cultural details being presented in Connecting Dots and also, importantly, demonstrating that the so-called good old days were often not really that for many individuals and that for young Cassie, the stigma of her illegitimacy, of being the daughter of a single mother who also ended up abandoning her, has left her a so-called fair game target for nastiness, for abuse, both from society in general and from her very much dysfunctional and intrinsically vile, judgmental "family" although thankfully, Mary and Peter, the family members with whom Cassie is now living, do appear as the glowing and shining exceptions to this, totally accepting Cassie and not considering her a burden and someone who is a source for and of shame).
Highly recommended, but with the caveat that due to the subject matter, the themes presented and featured, and that much of Connecting Dots is truly horrifying and incredibly saddening, potentially emotionally traumatic, it would definitely be best and most useful if Connecting Dots were to be read by the intended age group, by older children (and in particular girls) from about the ages of nine to twelve, with both parental guidance and discussion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2015
Loved it - a sequel of sorts to Jenning's earlier novel, Home Free, which I think is even better than the first book - after the death of her grandmother, Cassandra Jovanovich is, on the one hand, tossed from pillar to post, from one relative to another, and on the other is trying to find out what's happened to her birth mother, Rita, deal with being illegitimate, and try to discover who she really is - it is wonderfully written, thoroughly engaging and has a created such a strong and stupendous voice for her young heroine that, as a reader, you're totally captivated by Cass's story
July 21, 2015
Fell in love with Cassie, the main character, and how she and her relationships developed through the story. If you enjoyed Katherine Paterson's THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS (one of my faves), you should definitely check out CONNECTING DOTS. But first read HOME FREE, which was a finalist for the TD Children's Literature Award and the Governor General's Award -- I only just discovered that CONNECTING DOTS is a companion book written after, am eager to read the first book.
April 18, 2015
I want to say thank you to Goodreads and to Sharon Jennings! I really enjoyed reading Connecting Dots. It was very easy to read and well written. I felt so sorry for the main character and could really feel her pain,I couldn't wait to finish the book to find out what was going to happen and then ending was excellent!!!!! Than you again!!!!!!
April 1, 2016
I think I loved this sort of thing as a child - sad books about neglected children living miserable lives lol. I love giving kids books their parents don't approve of, but I fear this one would actually get me yelled at by someone's mum. I mean, the horrible aunt administers enemas to flush out MC's evil ffs!
August 24, 2016
This is the story of a girl, Cassandra, who is unwanted. She is the illegitimate child of a teenage mother, in the 1960s, and the shame of it, don't you know. Her grandmother takes her in, and loves her, until she is five, but once her grandmother dies, she is shuffled from relative to relative. No one cares for her longer than a year, and she goes through life knowing she will never be someone's.
We met her in the first book in this series, when Leanne wrote the story of her life, but we met her, but didn't get inside her head, or get to see where she was before. This books covers that, and more. It will make you cry, but in a good way.
It is not necessary to read Home Free first to get into this novel, but it certainly helps. This is not so much a sequel, but a parallel story, and this time written by Cassandra.
Highly recommend this as a good middle school book about intolerance in the 1960s, but also just as a good story. The publisher calls it the "Gutsy Girl" series.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
We met her in the first book in this series, when Leanne wrote the story of her life, but we met her, but didn't get inside her head, or get to see where she was before. This books covers that, and more. It will make you cry, but in a good way.
It is not necessary to read Home Free first to get into this novel, but it certainly helps. This is not so much a sequel, but a parallel story, and this time written by Cassandra.
Highly recommend this as a good middle school book about intolerance in the 1960s, but also just as a good story. The publisher calls it the "Gutsy Girl" series.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 13, 2015
3.5
Liked the story and the main character. Although the character is young, under 12 throughout the story, the themes are mature.
In terms of thinking about young readers, I wondered what they would make of all of the references to things of the era of the story - music, popular culture and the Vietnam War, which although not central to the plot, were found throughout the book.
Liked the story and the main character. Although the character is young, under 12 throughout the story, the themes are mature.
In terms of thinking about young readers, I wondered what they would make of all of the references to things of the era of the story - music, popular culture and the Vietnam War, which although not central to the plot, were found throughout the book.
April 6, 2020
You heart will break when you read the story of Cassie, a girl that cannot find foster parents that will love her. But your heart will mend at the end. Box of tissues required.
May 9, 2021
Amazing, my favourite author.
August 8, 2016
Connecting Dots
by Sharon Jennings
Second Story Press
Middle Grade, Children's Fiction
Pub Date 10 Mar 2015
I was given a copy of Connecting Dots through the publisher and there partnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:
Leanna Mets wants to be a writer when she grows up.
Cassie was five when she learned her Mother was actually her Grandmother, but when she is in Second Grade her Grandmother dies and she is moved with her Aunt Mable and Uncle Fred who think Children should be seen but not heard.
Things start to look better when Mabel and Fred's daughter comes for a visit but after a fight with her Father Liz heads back to California.
By the time she is almost ten Cassie learns her Mother is not really alive.
Connecting Dota is the story of one Girl's struggle to find out who she is.
I give Connecting Dots five out of five stars
Happy Reading
July 29, 2015
Companion to Home Free , Connecting Dots by Sharon Jennings tells the story of twelve year old Cassandra Jovanovich. Because of her past, Cassandra is reclusive and distrustful of adults but when she meets Leanna Mets everything changes. Cassandra was just barely five years old when her grandmother passed away and she was passed around from relative to relative. The “most annoying person she has ever met” becomes her best friend and inspires her to tell her story. Cassandra dreams of becoming an actor and Leanna helps her to make her dream come true. It is a story about coming of age and friendship. Jennings has created a strong and fierce female character that despite all the odds comes out on top.
November 5, 2015
This is a heartwrenching and honest coming of age story about a 12-year-old girl who is shipped off to the homes of many cruel relatives who don't care about her. Cassandra suffers unimaginable abuse, hardship and finds little love. All she really wants is to find a family and a home where she feels she belongs. The story is narrated by Cassandra, who is a memorable, strong, and resilient character. She is wise beyond her years. She finds a friend in Leanna Mets, who encourages her to write her life story. As Cassandra shares her pages with Leanna, she finds writing cathartic and healing. She also dreams of being an actress and tries out for school plays and with a kid’s theater company. It strengthens her resolve to never lose sight of her dreams to become an actress.
November 2, 2015
I found this tale of a harrowing childhood to be a sensitive coming of age portrayal. Ms Jennings’ has written Cassie’s story with great perceptiveness and understanding, which is communicated to the reader who in turn cannot help but become an unshakable champion of Cassandra Jovanovich!
Spirited, inquisitive and quirky, “almost twelve-year old” Cassandra Jovanovich, exhibits such a fearlessness that despite all odds, the reader cannot help but admire, applaud and ….be…..amazed!
Highly Recommended!!!
Spirited, inquisitive and quirky, “almost twelve-year old” Cassandra Jovanovich, exhibits such a fearlessness that despite all odds, the reader cannot help but admire, applaud and ….be…..amazed!
Highly Recommended!!!
October 29, 2015
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez or Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 4 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was very sad and I can't imagine going through what Cassandra went though.
My favorite character is Liz because she does not care what people think, she is like me in that way. My favorite part is when Cassandra talks about her grandmother.
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 4 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was very sad and I can't imagine going through what Cassandra went though.
My favorite character is Liz because she does not care what people think, she is like me in that way. My favorite part is when Cassandra talks about her grandmother.
February 9, 2016
A companion book to HOME FREE, CONNECTING DOTS perfectly captures the emotional journey of an unwanted child. Heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time.
January 22, 2016
What a very moving and emotional read! Cassandra's journey will touch the heart strings of every reader.
Highly recommend this book to all Middle grade girls!
Highly recommend this book to all Middle grade girls!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews