What a Gem, Pearl is.

Pearl is breathtakingly beautiful and Jo Knowles is a knock-out.

The cover is perfection. A pearl is so perfectly imperfect. The object itself has part drama, mystery, and romance, much like this beautifully woven novel.

Knowles tales have me rushing from page to page to finish the story. The grip she has on you holds even past the novel. The characters are so pure, rich, and original they are easy to relate too. The ultimate gift to a reader, a story that seals its envelope and doesn't release you from it's binding even after you've finished.

This book reminds us what it means to keep a secret, the trouble that finds us and the painful truths all when it comes to love. A story about love, loss, and the ultimate gift of friendship. With the complicated characters like Pearl (aka Bean) and Henry's moms this tale will hit home for several teens who have or are currently struggle with the same heartache and frustration of what it means to have to grow up to fast.

I urge all teen book clubs, librarians, bookstores, to make this a part of your reading material. It will keep teens captivated and engaged. If you have yet to read this novel I only ask that you put it at the top of your list.