About This Book
E. R. Frank's 'Dime' is a raw and heartbreaking young adult novel that delves into the startling realities of teen prostitution through the eyes of fourteen-year-old Dime. Lost in the foster care system in Newark, New Jersey, Dime yearns for love and belonging, finding a distorted version of it with a pimp and his 'wifeys.' The narrative explores how she gradually becomes entangled in this life, believing it's a fair exchange for the 'family' she craves. When her pimp's affections shift to a new girl, Dime faces the harrowing challenge of finding the courage to break free from a world that claims to love her but truly exploits her. This book is for mature young adult readers, offering a piercing look at vulnerability, survival, and the complex path to independence.
Fourteen-year-old Dime, a foster child in Newark, New Jersey, finds love and family as a prostitute, but when her pimp rejects her for a new girl, will Dime have the strength to leave?
prostitution
sexual_content
Violence
abandonment
abuse_themes
mental_health_themes
peril_danger
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Dime's desire for love and family lead her into such a dangerous situation?
2
What are the different ways 'family' is defined in this book, and how do those definitions impact Dime?
3
Discuss the concept of 'strength' in Dime's story. What kind of strength does she need to survive and to leave?
4
How does the author make Dime's experiences feel real and impactful?
5
What resources or support systems could have helped Dime avoid or escape her situation earlier?
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