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Unlocked
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Unlocked (2010) (edit title/settings)

by Karen Kingsbury (Author) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury presents Unlocked: A Love Story. Holden Harris is an autistic eighteen-year-old who is bullied at school. Ella Reynolds is the head cheerleader who befriends Holden but has problems of her own at home. In her trademark way, Kingsbury tackles... read more

Summary edit see section history

Ella Reynolds, a popular high-schooler, is the daughter of an always-gone pro athlete and a self-absorbed mom. Her parents haven't always been this way, and she hopes they won't stay that way. Throughout the story, Ella sheds some of her own baggage and even some friends while pursuing a more... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Ella Reynolds, a popular high-schooler, is the daughter of an always-gone pro athlete and a self-absorbed mom. Her parents haven't always been this way, and she hopes they won't stay that way. Throughout the story, Ella sheds some of her own baggage and even some friends while pursuing a more faith-filled and generally moral lifestyle. At school one day, she runs into Holden Harris, an autistic student who does not speak but is very conscious of the surrounding world. After observing him being bullied by some jocks (including her boyfriend), Ella stops to talk to and help Holden and the two become friends. She notices that there is something in his eyes that she finds beautiful and comforting. One day at home, she finds a scrapbook that reveals that Holden was a part of her childhood but that the two drifted or were pulled apart. She is determined to help Holden unlock his ability to communicate with her and his own family, since she now knows he was able to do so as a child. The two share a love of music that becomes a crucial tool to Holden's progress. In time, both Ella and Holden grow in strength and understanding through their friendship, which grows deeper by the day and inspires the growth of a deeper love within multiple families, the teens' school, and their community.

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First Sentence edit see section history

If the first day was any indication, this year was going to be the best ever.

Themes & Symbolism edit see section history

  • Autism: This book deals with the complexity of the autism spectrum and how autism effects more than the person who has been diagnosed with autism. I think, despite the Christian emphasis placed in the book, this book is great for students of high school/college age. The book also addresses the harmful effects of bullying, which has become a big push in the education system. I would say this is a book that is better recommended to students rather than read in class, mostly because of the religion aspect that is addressed. While I really appreciate this viewpoint from the author, I know that in a class setting it would have the potential to make many students feel uncomfortable. However, I think this is a great recommendation to come from any teacher if you know the student well enough, great from an FCA or youth leader and in many other possibilities for young adults.
  • Redemption: Describe this theme.
  • Love and Healing

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Karen Kingsbury (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Zondervan
Country: USA
Publication Date: October 12, 2010
ISBN: 9780310266952
Page Count: 336

Classification edit see section history

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Young Adults

The book contains sections discussing suicide, as it occurs within the contextual high school. Teen dating issues and bullying also appear within the story. The book is generally mild and inspirational, in spite of these occurrences.

Links to Supplemental Material edit see section history

More Books Like This edit see section history

   
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