A Step Toward Falling by Cammie McGovern is one I would give to the more mature readers. Subject mature is a sensitive one, with one of the character, a developmental disabled student getting raped at a football game. It starts off a little disjointed with two of the three main characters narrating. Of course, there's Belinda, which is the girl who is attacked. The other narrator is Emily. She witnesses the attack, but doesn't do anything to help. This goes against what she knows to be true - after all, she helped co-found her high school's Youth Action Coalition. The whole point of this club is to bring awareness to the needs of others. A bit of a hypocrite. The third main character is a football star, Lucas. He's in the popular crowd and total opposite of Emily. He's the second person to witness Belinda's attack, but he does nothing as well. Both Emily and Lucas are faced with performing community service hours in the hopes it will bring attention to themselves and others that not helping victims is the wrong choice. They both must help out with the "Boundaries and Relationships" workshops held once a week at the Lifelong Learning Center for people with disabilities.
The book has the underlying theme of Pride and Prejudice, Belinda's favorite movie, running through it. Both Emily and Lucas don't want to like each other, but as the story progresses they start to understand and appreciate their strengths and weakness. You'll also be rooting for Belinda, who also discovers love and acceptance.
Even though the book might start off a little rocky for some readers, the character development and story line can make a positive impact for our students. It'll shine some light on understanding people with disabilities. They have plenty to offer the world too! Everyone deserves a chance to shine! This book does belong in a middle school collection, and I would recommend it to mature students - especially ones needing to see things from another person's perspective.
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