Laurie's Reviews > Catalyst

Laurie Halse Anderson has become one of my favorite authors!

Catalyst is about a girl named Kate Malone, the daughter of a preacher, and science whiz is school. Her dreams and aspirations revolve around her acceptance into MIT. The book takes the reader through Kate's trials as she waits for a letter, any letter, from MIT. Just as Kate gets into a groove a tragedy happens. Her neighbors house and barn are on fire! Her neighbors are the dreaded Litch family. Terri Litch is a large girl who is considered a bit of a bully. The football players tease her with caution because she is likely to fight back! Kate learns acceptance, tolerance, love, and friendship as she and Terri endure the worst of situations together. In order to not give away too much of the story, I'll leave you with this thought--you don't expect what happens to happen. It is really quite shocking.

I would recommend this book to secondary readers without a doubt. It is a book that could be taught in the classroom and excerpts would even be appropriate. Great book!