6. Killing Mr. Griffin

Lowry, Lois. Killing Mr. Griffin. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 1978. text

Annotation: "That suddenly, that quickly, it struck her-I don't want him to go! He musn't go! Without reason terror shot through her."

Recommendation: There were clues throughout the novel that continued to hint at the outcome of the teens plan for their teacher Mr. Griffin.  These clues were subltely added into the story and did not seem contrived.  It foreshadowed what was to come, however it didnt give anything away so it made you want to keep reading. 
The characters were well developed and seemed like real teenagers.  There was the main character, Susan, who so desperately wanted to fit in that she would have done anything to be accepted.  The "cool kids" were well described and I was able to picture these kids from my high schools days in my mind.  They did not seem over the top and their dialogue fit that of normal high schoolers. 
The descriptions in the novel are great.  There are always subtle hints popping up here and there by what is being described. Also, the descriptions allow for readers to get the feel that they are really part of what is going on. 
The ending of the novel reveals alot of what has happened previously in the novel to be cleared up.  There is closure for many of the characters, however there are still things that are left unanswered, leaving the reader satisified yet still wanting more.
The read did not go as quickly as some other YA novels.  The flow of words was harsher, however, the plot was very good and kept me reading.