When the Bough Breaks

by Anna Myers

Ophelia knows she has to make it work with this new foster family. She's been through too many homes since a terrible tragedy left her alone and emotionally isolated, and the state is not going to move her again no matter how unhappy she might become. So when her new foster mother asks her to take a job reading aloud to Portia McKay, an elderly neighbor, Ophelia grudgingly agrees. At first Ophelia only goes because she gets paid. But as they get to know each other, Portia and Ophelia discover that they have much more in common than their Shakepearean names. They both have horrible secrets that they have never shared with another living soul. And it seems that this unlikely friendship may be just what they both need to break free of their emotional prisons. Anna Myers seamlessly blends contemporary and historical narratives as Opehlia's and Portia's tales unfold.

Genres: Young Adult

170 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[MacKenzie Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in middle or high school and it obviously made an impact if I still remember it at age 24.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book needs to be read more and it deserves more credit than what it gets. The book is somehow relatable.

[Madison H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is alright but didn’t get my attention right away. It’s a good book but just not the one for me. The part that I didn’t really like is when everyone called Ophelia a killer. I would feel really mad if I was her. People blaming me for something I didn’t do! If you don’t like books that are kind of confusing or doesn’t make sense, I wouldn’t read this book if I were you.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

From suicide to student homicide, to drowning babies, child abuse, and to illegitimate pregnancies this story is an emotional one. Two characters are looking for redemption and end up finding it together. This book has easy-to-read language, but deals with many complex moral issues.