Gr 5—8—Liza is unhappy that her recently divorced mom has developed a new serious relationship. The teen can't understand what her environmentally conscious mother could possibly see in oil-executive Robert, and she determines to undermine their growing relationship. She puts together a girls' group called GRRR! (Girls for Renewable Resources, Really!) to expose Argenta Oil's dirty underside and pressure the company to fulfill its responsibilities, and as the group succeeds in making some changes, Liza's activism helps her to realize what is important to her, both personally and politically. With its short length and high-interest, action-packed nature, this empowering book will be a favorite with younger teens.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY
Though Liza's mother is environmentally conscious, her new boyfriend (dubbed "Slick" by skeptical Liza) works for an oil company that's wreaking havoc on Guatemala--an injustice that enrages the young teen and inspires her to take action. Liza's determination and activism set a powerful example. The story is sometimes didactic, but the topic is relevant and will engage young socially aware readers.
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