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

After her mother suddenly leaves her family for good, Sandra is left behind with her alcoholic father -- and a lot of anger. At first, Sandra is more concerned with getting a job and getting on with her life, but then the people around her start pushing Sandra to at least try to find her missing mother. What will Sandra say to her mother if they are reunited? And how do you find a person who may not want to be found?

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

• Winner, Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Selection

"Much of the subtle, haunting power of Split comes from Sandra's reticent, wary, understated narration. With deft precision and compassionate understanding, Weber brings to life her flawed, decent, confused characters."

Quill & Quire

"Lori Weber captivates her reader and keeps them entranced as she brings the characters to life in such a manner that readers can compassionately empathize with them. The issues that Sandra faces are real issues that troubled teens may be facing in their lives, and Split is a book that gives readers hope. A must in all libraries."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Weber's story poignantly and effectively illustrates how devastating the effects of a parent's abandonment can be on a teenager, and how an adolescent must adopt an adult role when the remaining parent is dysfunctional."

Montreal Review of Books

"Simply and subtly told, Sandra's story will evoke strong recognition and empathy in contemporary teens."

Resource Links

Split (SideStreets)