thingshopedfor

__Things Hoped For__ by Andrew Clements ISBN: 978-0-545-02295-8 ©2006 167 pages

pp. 8-10 where Gwen is listening to the answering machine message her grandfather left
 * Good sections to read aloud:**

Gwen, our 17 year old main character, is living with her grandfather in New York where she attends a school for musically gifted students. She has three upcoming auditions to try and get into some prestigious music schools and is really concentrating on practicing when suddenly her grandfather leaves (leaving behind a message on the machine reassuring her he’ll be back all too soon). Gwen is a bit worried and frightened, but decides not to tell anyone and continues with her normal school and practicing routines. In the midst of all of this, she meets another talented musician that is her age, Robert, and they become close friends (and she confides in him that her grandfather just up and left). What happens in the middle of their developing friendship and continuous practice sessions will shock you! Just what do they do next???
 * Summary:**

YA fiction-- teen issues; social issues; death and dying

©Jennifer Lang - WDMS - 2007