Dime

“To be touched gently. To be seen clearly. To be part of a family. To be fed regularly. To be protected. To be loved for free.” These are the things that eighth-grader Dime wants but doesn’t receive from her foster mother. That’s why she moves in with a group of girls and a man they call “Daddy.” Before she knows it, Dime is part of a prostitution ring, still seeking comfort and love. Frank (America) delves deeply into the psychology of a lost girl who realizes she is trapped in a life she doesn’t want. Dime seeks escape in books but rarely has the time or means to obtain them. When Daddy brings home 11-year-old Lollipop to work for him, Dime begins to separate truth from lies and right from wrong. Written from the perspective of Dime, who is anxious to compose a “note” that could save at least one innocent victim, the novel frankly depicts the physical abuse and emotional manipulation that tie young girls to their keepers. Images of violence, greed, and emotional longing will linger with readers. Ages 14–up. Agent: Heather Schroder, Compass Talent. (May)