Haley and Lynn are best friends.
When Lynn meets Chad, a player several years older, Haley feels left out. She tries to be happy for her friend, but when her mother's new boyfriend starts making unwanted advances, Haley finds she has no one to tell. Not wanting to upset her mother's happiness and finding that Lynn is drifting away, Haley has to face her tormentor alone and face up to some very hard truths.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
"Captures the emotions and feelings of sixteen year old girls perfectly...a very good addition to the young adult genre."
– Sukee's Book Bites
"Tilly uses Haley's story as a way of discussing sexual abuse...The dialogue between Haley and her best friend...is indicative of what teens deal with on a daily basis."
– VOYA
"Truly excellent tale...the voice and persona of Haley capture what is so worth cherishing in an adolescent."
– Resource Links
"A lightning-quick read that...will likely provoke some discussion among young people about how to handle difficult situations."
– Quill & Quire
"Fast-paced, with short chapters and high-interest content. Haley's thought process...is heartbreaking."
– KLIATT
"First Time illustrates a dangerous situation in which Haley learns to regret ignoring her instincts...Recommended."
– CM Magazine
"Tilly has written in an immediate, sometimes raw manner."
– Times Colonist
"Tilly accomplishes her goal of getting into a teenager's head in 100 short pages, and the novel is riveting."
– Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee
"A fast-paced, intense novel that is sure to keep you guessing and turning its pages...definitely worth a read."
– TeensReadToo.com
"Realistic dialogue and situations characterize this novel. Struggling readers will appreciate the quick pacing and the low reading/high interest level."
– School Library Journal
"Teens will find themselves engrossed in this tale of sexual abuse. Self-examination is just one of the outcomes for those who read this tale. Recommended.'
– Library Media Connection
"Mature readers will sympathize with Haley's difficult situation."
– The Horn Book Guide
"The lack of a sweetly tied up ending is a point in this title's favor, allowing the reader to come up with their own ideas... A possible high/low choice for high school age female readers."
– NMRLS Youth Services Book Review Group
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks | 2009 | Short-listed
Golden Eagle Children’s Choice | 2009 | Nominated
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2010 | Commended
