Klepto

by Lori Weber

Overview

It seems like Kat's parents have done little but prepare for her sister Hannah's return since she was sent away to a home for troubled teens. Everyone is determined to find out what went wrong with Hannah and make things right again—everyone except Kat, that is.



Kat dreads going back to a life dominated by her sister's tantrums and rule-breaking. The only place she feels in control these days is at the mall, where everything she wants is at her fingertips and no one is better at the art of stealing. As the time of Hannah's return approaches, Kat's shoplifting escalates into a full-blown addiction. Klepto is a powerful story from a talented new writer for teens.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781550288360
Publisher:	Lorimer, James & Company, Limited
Publication date:	05/01/2004
Series:	Lorimer SideStreets Series
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	4.25(w) x 7.00(h) x 0.33(d)
Lexile:	HL760L (what's this?)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Lori Weber has published poetry, short stories, and essays in several Canadian literary journals and collections. She has also written several YA novels. She lives in Pointe-Claire, Quebec.
www.lori-weber.com

Editorial Reviews

"...an interesting psychological novel of the stresses that some teenagers face and how they deal with these pressures... It deals with themes of peer pressure, being less than popular, and being a member of an imperfect family unit, all themes to which teens can relate. Weber has done a good job of creating a plot with many aspects that tie together neatly and realistically. Recommended."

CM Magazine

"...an interesting psychological novel of the stresses that some teenagers face and how they deal with these pressures... It deals with themes of peer pressure, being less than popular, and being a member of an imperfect family unit, all themes to which teens can relate. Weber has done a good job of creating a plot with many aspects that tie together neatly and realistically. Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Kat is a shoplifting expert. She knows the best places to hit and how to behave so that no one suspects her. Kat's parents are entirely clueless about her criminal activity. They are more concerned with her older sister, Hannah, who is currently living in a home for troubled teens after she was caught making deliveries for a drug dealer. Kat's parents live for the day Hannah will be able to come home, but Kat is not so sure her sister's return will be positive. Her thoughts of her sister range from memories of idyllic sisterly moments to reminiscences of Hannah's explosive rages. Kat was frequently left with bruises, and her stuffed animals and clothing were often ripped to shreds. Kat's thievery begins the day Hannah is taken away. As the day draws closer that Hannah will return home, the frequency with which Kat steals things increases. She steals impulsively, often coming home with an item she doesn't remember taking. People at school discover her secret, and her classmates give her lists of things they want her to steal. When Hannah returns home, Kat is shocked to see that her sister is now mousy and sad rather than wild and angry. Yet Kat cannot find it within herself to forgive Hannah's previously abusive deeds. However, when Kat is finally caught, it is Hannah who steps up and straightens her out. Teachers and librarians be warned: this book reads like a how-to manual for shoplifting. Although Kat is eventually caught, it is only because she doesn't follow the precautions she outlined in the beginning of the book. However, that caveat issued, this is a well-written and entertaining book. Kat's voice is one with which many will identify regardless of whether or not they possess anykleptomaniac tendencies. It is fascinating to read how Kat's actions run parallel to those of her sister and how the lackadaisical attitude of their parents feeds this behavior. Klepto is a quick read, and would be a great book to recommend to teenage girls. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2004, Lorimer, dist. by Orca, 160p., Ages 12 to 18.
—Heather Lisowski

KLIATT

Kat's authentic voice shares the disturbing tale of the abuse she has experienced at the hands of her older sister Hannah. When Hannah is sent to a group home for dealing drugs, Kat is the only one relieved at her departure. Yet, for reasons she doesn't comprehend, Kat begins to shoplift and relishes the feelings of control. When it's clear Hannah is soon to return home, Kat's stealing escalates, rushing to consequences inevitable yet surprising. Weber's first novel honestly conveys the anguish over parental neglect, the oftentimes ugliness of life, and brutality of an abortion (Hannah's). The heaviness of Kat's story is alleviated in part by best friend Anita's search for her birth mother and next-door neighbor- turned-hunk Andy's gentle, supportive presence. Kat's tale addresses important issues in a tone which respects teens and their issues. Because of the nature of some of these issues, this title is recommended for readers age 14 and older. 2004, Lorimer & Co, 160 pp., Ages young adult.
—Melissa Moore

"Weber sensitively explores themes of family dysfunction, belonging, and control in a well-written and insightful manner. Her novel is a quick, entertaining and thought-provoking read that will stimulate discussion among adolescents."

Montreal Review of Books