Don't Look and It Won't Hurt Book + PRICE WATCH * Amazon pricing is not included in price watch

Don't Look and It Won't Hurt Book

"Claypitts, Pearl of the Prairie... it's the kind of town you drive right through without noticing... it's where we live... three not-exceptional daughters and one exasperated mother." So starts Carol Patterson's story, the story of a 15-year-old middle child who longs for a life less ordinary, one outside the boundaries of Claypitts and her mother's expectations. Carol has always been a responsible, stoic soul, helping her single working mom by caring for younger sister Liz and steering clear of older sister Ellen's bad habits and reputation. Carol lives her life safely in the middle--never too sad, but never very happy, either. It is only when Ellen upsets the balance of the small family by getting pregnant and moving to a home for unwed mothers that Carol finds herself taking thrilling risks like dating the school bad boy and sneaking away in the middle of the night to visit Ellen. After years of turning away from problems so they couldn't hurt her, Carol suddenly realizes that she must experience life's pain in order to better recognize its joys. This debut novel by legendary young adult author Richard Peck--back in print after 27 years--is a quiet story whose strength is in its timelessness. Today's teens will quickly recognize their own conflicting desires as they identify with Carol's need to stay safe yet at the same time explore new territory. Don't Look and It Won't Hurt foreshadowed Richard Peck's brilliant writing career and makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read, whether you're diving in fresh or revisiting an old friend. (Ages 12 to 15) --Jennifer HubertRead More

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  • Product Description

    "Out at the city limits there's this sign that says WELCOME TO CLAYPITTS, PEARL OF THE PRAIRIE, and if you'd believe that, you'd believe anything."

    Sixteen-year-old Carol Patterson is a girl in the middle: in the middle of her sisters, in the middle of her adolescence, in the middle of her family's problems.

    It is the early seventies and the world is in turmoil, but hardly anything from the outside ever seems to creep in to effect the Pattersons, who live in half a house at the wrong end of town. But there is turmoil enough in Carol's own life. The family is barely getting by on her mother's waitress salary. Carol's bookishness and shabby clothes make her an outcast. Then Carol's older sister gets pregnant.

    Still, in the midst of it all there is hope: Carol's first fledgling romance; her unexpected friendship with the preacher's daughter. And suddenly a door opens, providing Carol with a glimpse of the world outside Claypitts and a glimpse of her own inner strength.

    Originally published in 1972, Don't Look and It Won't Hurt was Richard Peck's first novel. It was adapted for the movie Gas/Food/Lodging in 1992.

  • 0805063161
  • 9780805063165
  • Richard Peck
  • 1 October 1999
  • Henry Holt & Company
  • Hardcover (Book)
  • 160
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