Unravel

by Sharon Jennings

As Rebecca is about to turn twelve years old, she begins to realize that Joe, her father, is not the most supportive of parents. Rather he seems to want to turn her away from friendships, from involvement with others, from anyone who might intrude on their two lives. When it seems their affectionate neighbor is becoming too inquisitive, Joe abruptly arranges for himself and Rebecca to make a quick move to another place in the city. And as she reflects on things, Rebecca realizes that this is what has always happened. Also, she doesn't attend school, but is doing what her dad calls home-schooling. When she asks her father about her family he says they are all dead. For various reasons, as Joe explains. That means the two of them are alone in the world, making their own way. Or, perhaps, allowing Joe to make whatever moves he wishes to without consulting anyone else -- least of all, his daughter. Life changes for Rebecca the day that she spots a new neighbor in their latest apartment building -- someone who, though she seems a little fragile, has an aura of elegance about her and who also takes an immediate interest in the girl. As Rebecca gets to know Phoebe better, she also is able to look at Joe with different eyes -- and, in the end, she realizes that her father is not at all who he has presented himself as.

200 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2021

About the author

Sharon Jennings is a children's book author. She has published over 70 books in 27 years. She teaches writing at Ryerson University. She was President of The Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) for three terms.

Reviews

[Kathy Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great build up from ‘something’s not right’ to ‘something is very wrong.’ Loved the ‘kindness of strangers’ theme too which helped make the strength of the main character so believable, the kindness of strangers and the fact she’s a reader. Plus I learned the origins of the word conspiracy!

[Christine (KizzieReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator for the audiobook was a bit annoying. She read very stiffly and at times, pronounced words incorrectly. As for the story, it was a very young adult book.

Rebecca was well read, but naive towards real life, but that is to be expected based on how her life is. Her father, Joe, home-schooled her. His way of home schooling was to tell her to write a book report based on whatever book she was reading at the time. She was free to roam Toronto on her own, at 11. He refused to let her be a girl. No bras, no fashion magazines, no cutting her hair or wearing any clothing that fit her body. She always had to purchase things at the thrift store several sizes too big. When the neighbors starting asking questions, he would force them to move. You can see where this is headed, but not how it comes about until the end.

She never called her father or dad, just by his name, Joe. That was weird. Her one and only friend didn't like him because she said he was creepy. She was told her mother was dead and she was the cause of it. He was a mean and vicious man. Things start to unravel on her 12th birthday at a book/author festival. Joe never wanted her picture taken and a reporter asked her questions and took her photo after Joe allowed her to listen to a favorite author speak while he was at a different author booth.

The writing was good, but very young. It might be because the author is used to writing for children, but it is also about a 12 year old girl, so I might have been expecting a bit more. I felt really bad about the ending. I honestly think she would have more trauma than what the author depicted, but that's just me. Overall, a good book.

[American Mensa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a young girl named Rebecca. She lives with her dad, Joe, in Toronto and doesn't know much about her mom or any of her family, even her dad. Rebecca was told that her mom had died having her. One of the few things that she remembers about when she was little was that she and her dad moved a lot even when she was young. She always wondered why, and her dad said that it was just because he doesn't like people getting in their business and being nosy. She has always thought that there was more to the story. Joe doesn’t like for Rebecca to stand out, so he makes her wear baggy clothes, doesn’t allow her to get a haircut or ever let her picture get taken. So, when a photographer takes her picture, he gets very angry even though Rebecca doesn't understand why Joe keeps her isolated from everyone else in the world. Rebecca becomes more determined to know the truth about her family and answers to why they move so much and why she can't stand out. Suddenly, two neighbors, Mrs. Martina and Phoebe, enter her world and everything changes. Rebecca knows there is something not right about their isolated way of life and wants to unravel the mystery.

This book would be best suited for people from the age of 13 to 18. I recommend this book for young adults who like mystery and fiction.
Reviewed by Ashlynne N., 13, North Texas Mensa

[Valerie Sherrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plan to stay up late reading once you start this book. Sharon Jennings has created a unique, authentic character in Rebecca Greene and once you meet her you'll be cheering for her through every unusual happening in her young life. I loved the story and the character and highly recommend this book to teens, tweens AND adults.

[Lorna Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Rebecca is such a strong character and I loved that she was strong and curious but also a respectful teen. The cast of characters was well thought out, and they added to the story. I wished Rebecca well with every page turn.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute YA novel written from the perspective of a young girl trying to understand why she lives with her dad, Joe, as if they are on the run. I like the POV where the book is written as if it's her diary. Mysterious and fun.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Sharon Jennings has done it again!

[Deborah Duncan]

I thought this story about Rebecca questioning her unusual life with her father, Joe, was realistic and moving. She has always accepted Joe's strict rules about keeping their lives private, but now she is 12 and wants more out of life. She wants friends, and reaches out to a renter in their new building who hires her to help around her apartment. She secretly keeps in touch with people from her old neighbourhood when Joe insists on moving them yet gain. She starts remembering incidents which Joe tells her are not true. I liked this feisty character, and think that middle grade and young adult readers would root for her too!

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strong main character makes this an enjoyable read.

[Paul Coccia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennings creates the story of Rebecca discovering a family secret and moving toward self-empowerment with deft skill. I would read a full book on any of the characters within the story.

[Sayak · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

2.75/5