Review of Breaking Dawn

Breaking Dawn, releasing Nov. 2007 from Ransom Books as part of its Cutting Edge series. Breaking Dawn is the story of a the suicide of a young gay man, and what his best friend, Dawn, goes through as a result.

Breaking Dawn is the debut novel of Young Adult Fiction author Donna Shelton. Part of Ransom's Cutting Edge series, Breaking Dawn is a powerful account of a teenage girl's friendship with Perry, a closeted gay teenager whose life, with the exception of the time spent with Dawn and her parents, is hellish.

Breaking Dawn addresses suicide, homophobia, alcoholism, and guilt -- and it doesn't shrink from the ugliness of any of it. Although written for reluctant readers and targeted toward a teen audience, Breaking Dawn is a story that will speak to readers of all ages.

Donna Shelton skillfully portrays Dawn's butterfly-feelings as she experiences first love; irritation with Perry's "third wheel" status, and the fading of Dawn and Perry's best friend status will bring tears to the eyes of adults as they remember what it was like when relationships shifted.
Breaking Dawn speaks to teenagers on their level--and struggling readers will find the text accessible, which is Ransom Book's mission-- yet respects their intelligence and need for relevant stories in a captivating way. Breaking Dawn is unforgettable.

Beth Fehlbaum
Author, Courage in Patience