Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

This new book is very raw and very emotional.  I am only going to suggest it for mature readers.  Ellen

Hopkins has a quote on the front cover, "I wish every young woman could gain the wisdom found in these pages.  Quiet. Stark. Possibly life-changing."

My heart aches for ten-year-old Anna. In the beginning of the book mom is chasing after another "potential husband and stepfather", leaving Anna home alone all too often.  She grows up alone and lonely.

As a young teenager Anna discovers that boys will fill the void left by her mother.  She is searching for a family and for the love she couldn't get from her mother.  She makes many, many poor decisions involving sex, drugs, dropping out of school and alcohol.....she is defeated, but honest.  When Anna meets Sam she finally finds the kind of family she has craved.  And while that relationship does end abruptly,  she finally realizes she is in charge of her life and that she can break from all the past mistakes.  It is hopeful.