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Jill Ammon Vanderwood is an award-winning author with 14 published books.
She is the mother of four and a grandmother, living in a small city in Idaho.
Jill is making a difference for the next generation by writing about tough topics such as drugs, bullying, gun safety and now--underage drinking for boys, in the book On the Rocks. There is also a new book called Cheers, for girls.
Jill loves helping people work through the hard choices that too often come along. And to let them know that it's not too late to change direction.
She speaks to writing groups--teaching workshops and keynote speeches, church groups, school classrooms and all school assemblies, scout troops, Boys and Girls Clubs and summer camps. You can find her on the web as jillvanderwood.com
Reviewed by Anelynde Smit for Readers' Favorite
On the Rocks by Jill Vanderwood paints a vivid picture of choices and consequences. You choose the path and it leads you to very realistic situations. It is a look at two brothers left alone at home and there are rumors about a party going around. Here you are asked if you want to go to the party or if you would rather stay home instead. If you do go to the party there is even more to follow, such as a robbery and even an arrest. Both brothers are in deep trouble, and it is the reader who decides how deep they go. The choices made lead each brother down different paths and ultimately different conclusions. Very well written and researched, this book has a very different look at the peer pressure teenagers are going through. Young adults would find this book fascinating because they can put themselves in that position. There are also very detailed illustrations that paint the scene for you. You ask yourself, is this right for me? What would I do if asked that question? Only the reader can make the choice, and live with the choice.
I liked On the Rocks. Jill Vanderwood paints a very real picture of what it means to make the wrong choice. On the Rocks was fun to read for all the different endings. I found myself reliving each one, only to be led to a life-changing conclusion. Moments of shock, relief, and fear wash over you. It has a very real-life lesson behind it; choices have consequences. Books like this are perfect for young adults searching for answers to peer pressure. Simply as a guide, this is very well done. I would give this to young adults with confidence and let them see what their choices might lead to. Overall, I have to say I am impressed that this book still had an impact on adult me as it would have on a teenage me.
