Rissa Bartholomew's Declaration of Independence

by: Lynda B. Comerford

Published by: Scholastic Press (May 1 release)

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Rissa Bartholomew’s Declaration of Independence is author Lynda B. Comerford’s first book for young readers. It’s aimed at ages nine to twelve.

Leaving grade school behind for the halls of the “bigger” middle school is fraught with problems. Not only is the adolescent changing schools, but they are changing internally and externally, and it always makes for an awkward time at best and difficult at worst.

Rissa (Clarissa) Bartholomew’s birthday is looming and not long after, a new school year. She’s finding her girlfriends (the herd) frustrating. Actually Rissa is coming to the realization that she needs to be herself and so she’s going to declare her independence.

An unfortunate incident at Rissa’s birthday party that she shares with best friend Beth each year, is the break in the friendship. School begins and Rissa is alone. She attempts to make friends with the new girl, Violet, but still feels lonely and out of place.

It was difficult for Rissa being a part of the “herd” mentality; she didn’t like receiving rich girl Beth’s hand-me-downs and she certainly disliked her mother’s continual involvement in her life. But being alone and lonely was even more difficult. Rissa is taking a huge risk in declaring her independence. It could be the best thing she’s ever done.

Rissa Bartholomew’s Declaration of Independence is a wonderful novel for adolescents. It’s a look at the difficulties of growing up and finding your place in the world. And while the steps are fraught with problems, the learning process is a must. This isn’t an exciting book. Nothing huge happens and that’s what makes it so good. It’s a nice girl figuring out life. The fact that it’s not girls being mean to each other, sabotaging their friends and enemies or celebrating sex and alcohol and drugs makes it a must read in my book.

This is a self-help book for girls in novel form. A good story and a good read with good values.

Armchair Interviews says: A winner in the vast landscape of trash disguised as literature for middle readers and young adults.