Impossible by Nancy Werlin (Dial, 2008)

Werlin, Nancy. (2008). Impossible. NY: Dial
ISBN: 0142414913
Awards:ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2009)
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2008)
National Book Award Finalist
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Teen Pregnancy, Rape, Mental Illness, Family, Love
Genre: Fantasy
Annotation: Lucy Scarborough is seventeen, pregnant, and living with foster parents because her mother is mentally ill. Lucy lives in the modern day, but a dark and magical force is wreaking havoc on her family. Can she break free of it's grasp?
Summary:Circling around a magical rendition of the song, Scarborough Fair, the story Impossible follows foster child Lucy Scarborough as she learns of a family curse that is generations old. Lucy’s story is set in conventional modern day, but we learn that there is a magical presence able to influence and wreak havoc on humanity. The Elfin Knight has done just that with his curse on the Scarborough women. Seventeen, pregnant, and facing impending madness, Lucy must accomplish three impossible tasks for the curse to be broken. With the love and support of her foster parents and friend Zach, Lucy is determined to bring the madness to an end.
Evaluation: While I would not describe this book as a page turner, there is a soft and easy tone that mirrors the unconditional love between Zach, Lucy, and her foster parents. Impossible deals with such heavy topics as rape, teen pregnancy, and mental illness, but does so with genuine emotion, and avoids melodrama.