A simple, predictable story, "Pawns" by Willo Davis Roberts tells the story of Teddi who, at 14 years old, is orphaned when her mother dies from cancer, and her father, overcome with grief about losing his wife, commits suicide. She is taken in by Mamie, her next door neighbor, with a big caring heart, who also recently lost her twenty-six year old son.

Teddi is barely settled in when a knock at the door reveals a very pregnant woman, Dora, who claims to be the dead son's wife. Suspicion and deceit follows as Teddi investigates, along with the new neighbor, Jason, whose family just bought her house next door.

Torn between her memories of losing both parents and the possibility that she might lose her new home with Mamie, "Pawns" is a quick read with a happy ending, sure to please the young reader.

I rate "Pawns" 3out of 5 stars.

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