WILD BIRD, by Wendelin Van Draanen

The story: Wren is in trouble...big trouble. Her parents have sent her to jail--or at least, that's how it feels. After getting busted while high on drugs and doing just about everything to alienate her family, she's been sent to a rehab survival camp out in the Utah desert. Not only does she not have drugs and alcohol, she doesn't even have a phone. And, for the first time ever, she's having to take a long hard look at the choices she's made. Will the camp cure her--or kill her?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse R; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (substance abuse, drug-related stealing and deceit; bad friends, bad behavior toward family) PG-13; overall rating PG-13.

Liz's comments: Wren's metamorphosis surprises no one more than herself, as she learns to quit blaming everyone else for her behaviors and accept responsibility. Van Draanen has always had a deft hand at portraying the teen voice, and this is no different, except for the fact that this voice is a lot more troubled than that of most of her protagonists. Hand this to any kid who thinks "just once won't matter" or "it's worth it to have a friend." Cuz...not.