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Deep Dark Blue
Deep Dark Blue
Reviewed by: Jennifer Lance - Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, South Paris, Central Maine Library District
Review Date: September 18, 2018
Review
Polo Tate recounts her journey from idealistic high school athlete to U.S. Air Force Academy recruit, to traumatized assault survivor. Polo had dreamed from a very young age of joining the Air Force, so it's with excitement and anticipation that she heads to the Academy for basic training and to become a member of their elite volleyball team. She's someone who is used to succeeding, both as a student and as an athlete, so when things start to go wrong, she assumes if she works harder, than things will be better. Unfortunately, harassment and abuse escalate to an assault. Compounding the injury, Polo is not believed by her peers, and a very large upperclassman works hard to break her spirit and prevent her from pursuing justice. This is a great story of resilience and overcoming adversity. Since this is a book aimed at a younger audience, I wish that Polo had emphasized more how important it is to have people who support you, as nobody makes it through something like this on their own. However, this story will certainly resonate with high school girls, particularly athletes.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Tate, Polo
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: biography / autobiography
Audience: grades 10-12
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9781250128539
Price: 18.99