Make no mistake, this is not a book about being a Girl Scout. It is a book about grinding poverty and class divisions in America. It is a grim book about nightmares no child should experience. Yet it is not a graphic book. Nor is it entirely without hope. Rory is smart and determined. She recovers from the abuse to return to a normal life, at least normal for The Calle. The reader is left with a sense that maybe, just maybe, she will break the cycle of despair. Girlchild is a book that will have an impact and will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

This wasn't an easy book to read - a lot of things happen to Rory. However, I cared what happened because I just cared so much about her - I wanted her to be successful and find what she needed, and everything else. Plus, this is a stunningly written novel.

At once, innocent and worldly; raw and fluid, Rory's struggle to stay afloat in an environment that is anything but life-saving is a warm and hopeful read, especially for anyone who's struggled with childhood abuse, and the nuanced bitterness and comfort of family love.

This book wasn't what I expected (although I'm not really sure what I expected). If I had nothing else to read, I might have muddled my way through it. As it was, I had other books and couldn't be bothered to finish. And, I was a Girl Scout!