INVENTING ELLIOT
Graham Gardner
Dial Books for Young Readers
Fiction
ISBN: 0803729642
192 pages

In Graham Gardner's debut novel, fourteen-year old Elliot Sutton is determined to reinvent himself when he starts the academic year at his new school, Holminster High.

Elliot was picked on and beaten up by bullies at his old school. He wants to make sure that he doesn't get noticed in the wrong way ever again. As a result, he wears the right clothes, changes his hairstyle and acts very cool. Much to his surprise, his plan succeeds.

Elliot is noticed by the Guardians, a secret society of students who run the school by terrorizing and bullying students. Their organization is loosely based on George Orwell's book 1984. The Guardians would like Elliot to join them. Not wanting to get hurt again, Elliot goes along with them but soon finds out that he will have to pay a terrible price for his new position of power.

Gardner made me feel Elliot's pain, both physically and emotionally. Most of his actions are driven by fear. There are several touching scenes in the book. Elliot befriends a boy named Ben who is one of the Guardians' favorite targets. Elliot and Ben spend several enjoyable Saturdays together, but ultimately their friendship dies because Elliot is afraid to associate with Ben. Elliot risks losing another friendship because he is hesitant to reveal who he really is. He is crazy about a girl named Louise, but he does not want her to find out about his secret life. Will he reveal his true self to her?

In the end, this novel is about choices. Elliot has to decide how to use his new power. Ultimately he must listen to his inner voice and find his true self.

If you are looking for a light, funny novel, INVENTING ELLIOT is not the book for you. It makes you think and touches on sensitive subject matter. I thoroughly enjoyed it because it opened my eyes to a world I've never known. I will be anxiously awaiting Graham Gardner's second novel.

   --- Reviewed by Renee Kirchner (renee.kirchner@usa.net)

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