Pawing Through Books: Review: Locker 572 by L.T. Kodzo

Title: Locker 572

Author: L.T. Kodzo

Publisher: Winepress Publishing

Published: Aug. 24, 2011

Format: eBook

Source: From the author in exchange for an honest review.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund BurkeWelcome to North Harbor High . . .Where a girl can get bullied to death. Sheridan Alexander moves to San Diego and her fifth foster home since kindergarten. Her two goals are to graduate and exit the system without any more trouble. That is, until she's assigned locker 572 and finds the abandoned journal of Ribbon Barber. The journal pages reveal the endless insults and abuse flung at an innocent girl. "Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you." Yeah, right. Words of hate scar forever. Sheridan needs to find Ribbon and protect her before it's too late, even if it means giving up her most stable home in years. Ribbon has a right to be left alone.But can anyone ever be safe in the hardened halls of high school? "L.T. Kodzo understands the mind and desperation of teens on the brink. Her storytelling skills are impeccable, and she writes with stark, but honest authenticity." -Mary DeMuth, author of The Muir House and Thin Places.

My Thoughts:

Locker 572 by L.T. Kodzo was a great read that I wasn't expecting so much from. I was pleasantly surprised! It is told in three different perspectives. You see the story through the eyes of Sheriden trying to help Ribbon and take action against bullying, through the eyes of Ribbon through her journal entries, and through the eyes of Ribbon's best friend from elementary school, Ashley, who was one of Ribbon's bullies during high school.

Caution may contain spoilers!

Locker 572 is a new spin on the average bullying book. The students are the focus and most of the adults turn their heads and have a 'blind-eye' toward the situation. Through Ribbon's journal you are able to see how it is to be bullied day in and day out. Ribbon begins to believe the things the bullies are saying to her and starts to feel worthless. Sheridan has an amazing character. She doesn't even know Ribbon, but because of the journal she feels the need to stand up to these bullies and try to save the girl. After she finds out Ribbon has killed herself she continues to find ways to help the fight against bullying. Though Ashley is one of the bullies, once she finds out what has happened to her childhood friend she is filled with guilt and takes action against the group of students that were also involved in the bullying.

I loved that the students were the ones that L.T. Kodzo focused on. The book seemed like it could of been something that could actually take place in a school. Sadly, often times the adults in the school will turn their heads and not take the action that is needed to help stop bullies. Locker 572 would be a good addition to schools for anti-bullying week. It truly shows how it is to be bullied and gives ideas on how students can take a stand against bullying in a positive way.

Overall, I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for a unique read that carries a strong message. Locker 572 by L.T. Kodzo is an easy read that keeps you engaged throughout the book. It is a story that will keep you thinking and stay with you for awhile.

My Rating:

Memorable quote:
"Sticks and stones will break your bones. But bones will recover and mend. Words, on the other hand, leave scalding scars that fester and bleed where no one can see them" - Ch. 42 Locker 572 by L.T. Kodzo

Find the author:
Goodreads
Twitter
Facebook
Website

Where to buy:
WinePress Books
B&N
Amazon