Author(s): Scot Gardner

13+

Madonna OâÃÂÃÂDwyer is not the mother of the Messiah and sheâÃÂÃÂs not a sex-powered pop Diva. SheâÃÂÃÂs a hardworking girl with a drama queen for a sister and a dad who sounds Irish when heâÃÂÃÂs drunk. The mother who blessed (or cursed) her with her name died when she was young, leaving a hole in Madonna that, at seventeen, has become as raw as a decayed tooth. MadonnaâÃÂÃÂs friends think she can heal with her hands, but Madonna has her doubts. Her hands make pizzas and wash dishes. Her hands caress the boy and smash down the door. Her hands strangle demons from her past and pray for a spirited future.