Emma Emily Thomas

Emily "Emma" Thomas is the main character, principal protagonist, and narrator of the novel "Reason to Breathe" by Rebecca Donovan. Emma is a pretty and quiet girl, who, at the age of sixteen, excels in school and plays three varsity sports. She is best friends with the most attractive and popular girl at school, Sara McKinley, who is absolutely loyal and protective of Emma. At home, Emma's life is far from perfect. Besides her uncaring and cold uncle, Emma is forced to deal with repeated and savage physical abuse by her aunt, Carol. Emma keeps her mouth shut in order to make sure that Jack and Leyla don't have their childhood ruined. Emma lives with her aunt and uncle because her father is dead, and her mother is a drifting alcoholic.

Emma's plan is to excel at school, play sports, and have no social life outside...