A challenging senior year at a new high school teaches Jessa Meyers just what it means to be a genuine and true friend.
Jessa meets Catlyn, a beautiful blond who is used to being in control. The new friendship begins to raise questions that make Jessa uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Jessa is also attracted to Micah, an inactive boy in her ward—even though Catlyn warns her, "Stay away from him. He's into booze and drugs."
But as the friendship between Jessa and Catlyn becomes more complicated, something extraordinary begins to happen between Jessa and Micah. Her genuine concern for him as a teenage alcoholic is the beginning of not only a caring friendship but a means of life-changing hope for Micah.
Shelly Johnson-Choong takes us into the hearts of teens struggling with some of today's most difficult challenges—like being true to our values when artificial attractions surround us. Using the image of a jewelry box, the author helps young readers see that no matter how beautiful a person may appear, it's what's in the heart that counts. An empty jewelry case may be very attractive, but if it remains empty, it's not serving its real purpose. The Jewelry Box is an excellent story for teen and young adult readers, who are surrounded by fake gems and false beauty.
