• Age: 14 to 18
• Grade: 9 to 12
• Reading age: 7 to 10

It seems like Kat's parents have done little but prepare for her sister Hannah's return since she was sent away to a home for troubled teens. Everyone is determined to find out what went wrong with Hannah and make things right again -- everyone except Kat, that is.
Kat dreads going back to a life dominated by her sister's tantrums and rule-breaking. The only place she feels in control these days is at the mall, where everything she wants is at her fingertips and no one is better at the art of stealing. As the time of Hannah's return approaches, Kat's shoplifting escalates into a full-blown addiction. Klepto is a powerful story from a talented new writer for teens.

[Fry Reading Level - 3.2

Lori Weber is the author of eight young adult novels, including Yellow Mini, a novel in verse, and Deep Girls, a short—story collection; one historical middle grade novel, Lightning Lou; and one picture book, My Granny Loves Hockey. A native Montrealer, she lived for several years in Atlantic Canada; upon returning to Montreal, she began teaching English at Vanier College in 1994 before moving to John Abbott College in 1996, a position she recently retired from. She has delivered workshops in writing for teens through the Quebec Writers' Federation. Lori currently lives in Dorval, Quebec, where she hopes to do more writing, taking inspiration from the beautiful Lac Saint Louis at her doorstep.

Lori Weber's profile page

• Short-listed, ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

Klepto is an interesting psychological novel of the stresses that some teenagers face and how they deal with these pressures... It deals with themes of peer pressure, being less than popular, and being a member of an imperfect family unit, all themes to which teens can relate. Weber has done a good job of creating a plot with many aspects that tie together neatly and realistically. Recommended.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"This is a well-written and entertaining book. Kat's voice is one with which many will identify ... a great book to recommend to teenage girls. Recommended."

Kliatt

"Weber sensitively explores themes of family dysfunction, belonging, and control in a well-written and insightful manner. Her novel is a quick, entertaining and thought-provoking read that will stimulate discussion among adolescents."

Montreal Review of Books

"... powerful, voyeuristic, vicarious pleasure."

Resource Links

"The story is not presented in a didactic manner and teens will enjoy this quick read on a topic that can have serious consequences."

School Library Journal

"Weber's first novel honestly conveys the anguish over parental neglect ... Kat's tale addresses important issues in a tone which respects teens and their issues."

ALAN Review