Such Quiet Girls, by Noelle West Ihli, was inspired by true events. And it actually reminded me a lot of Under the Beetles’ Cellar.
Ten children and their bus driver are buried alive after being abducted in broad daylight. The bus driver, Jessa, blames herself, and so does Sage, one of the children. In fact, Sage seems more put together than the adult. She’s trying to figure out a way out of this situation, but Jessa is gripped by her past.
I loved the way this book was told from different perspectives, from different characters’ points of view. It made the kidnappers more human, though I hated them. I loved how Sage tried hard to find a way out and that led to everyone else helping. I also loved how Jessa finally put her faith in that little girl and finally became the adult in the room.
I always put myself into the mind of the main character, and I found myself wondering what I would do if I had 2 young daughters abducted like that. And what I’d do if I received that same ransom note. I’m not sure I would have the courage to do what she did (Sheena – Sage and Bonnie’s mom) or have the courage to go to the cops. It’s an interesting thing, I hope I never have to go through!
One of the things Sheena said really stuck with me: “Sometimes, the only choices are awful, with little hope that anything will ever be okay again, and you pick on anyway.” That’s what she did. And thankfully, it worked out.