Fade to Us

December 4, 2017
Seventeen-year-old Brooke Byers thinks that she is about to embark on the best summer of her life. She has a fantastic job at a jewelry shop that will get her closer to purchasing the used car of her dreams. But Brooke’s plans are disrupted when Brooke’s 15-year-old stepsister, Natalie, unexpectedly moves in with Brooke, her mother, and her stepfather. Instead of hanging out with her friends, Brooke is stuck taking care of Natalie, who has Asperger’s syndrome and is prone to meltdowns when routines are disrupted. After Natalie signs up for a five-week drama camp, the sisters meet Micah, and both of them are interested in him: Natalie looks to him as a mentor, while Brooke just thinks he’s hot. Day (The Possibility of Somewhere) weaves a quiet tale of love, friendship, sisterhood, and family; she takes time to carefully develop her characters, allowing readers to fully understand their perspectives. Patient readers will be rewarded with an emotional and touching conclusion. Ages 12–up. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary.

December 1, 2017
Brooke Byers is a white 17-year-old who had planned to spend the summer raking in the cash at her new job. But that all changes when her stepsister, Natalie, comes to stay for the summer. Natalie has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. Natalie prefers that everything happen a certain way, and when it doesn't, she becomes so anxious she has a meltdown. To keep Natalie entertained and occupied, Brooke suggests a drama camp, since Natalie loves musicals. That is where they meet Micah, who is the stage manager for the show, and both Natalie and Brooke are attracted to Micah in different ways. Due to Natalie's need for family assistance during her meltdowns, Brooke becomes the assistant stage manager for the show, allowing readers to see the relationships develop. Both Micah and Natalie are biracial, with Chinese mothers and white fathers, one of the "major commonalities" Natalie identifies. In her carefully intentional treatment of Natalie's neurodiversity, Day depicts Natalie as capable and intelligent via both Brooke's observant first-person narration and her own dialogue. The book does not shy away from the cruelty and misunderstanding that many on the autism spectrum face. Both Natalie and Brooke are strong, well-developed female characters.A book for readers who like romance that flourishes against the odds and characters who learn and grow. (Fiction. 13-18)

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January 1, 2018

Gr 8 Up-A fast-paced and engaging story of family drama and first love. Brooke Byers, 17, has her summer all planned out-she will earn enough money to buy a car. However, her plans change when her stepsister Natalie moves in. Natalie has Asperger's Syndrome and everyone in the family must adapt to her needs. When Natalie joins a summer theater program, Brooke quits her job to volunteer at the camp and support Natalie. Brooke enjoys her work and the company of the stage manager, Micah. Natalie has a strong friendship with Micah, but Brooke and Micah are clearly attracted to each other. Their relationship could create too much stress for the family, but Micah is worth it. Fade to Us is Day's second book featuring a character on the autism spectrum and Day succeeds in developing Natalie beyond a stereotype. Likewise, by telling the story from Brooke's perspective, readers experience how family members deal with the symptoms of Asperger's. The romance between Brooke and Micah is engaging and believable, but at times overly dramatic. However, more mature readers will be engaged by Brooke's and Natalie's growing friendship and sisterly bond. VERDICT Fans of Day's The Possibility of Somewhere or works by Laura Creedle and Tara Kelly will enjoy this engaging, lighthearted story.-Kaetlyn Phillips, Yorkton, Sask.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2018
Grades 7-10 Practical, organized Brooke has a plan for her summer: she's got an office job locked down, from which she'll save enough money to buy a car. Then her stepsister Natalie unexpectedly comes to stay for the summerNatalie has Asperger's, and that means adjustments have to be made. Brooke, whose dad was a sperm donor, has always wanted a bigger family, and she's looking forward to forming a sisterly bond with Natalie. She suggests Natalie get involved with a summer musical theater programa misfire, as Natalie is easily overstimulated. Guilt-ridden, Brooke quits her job and joins the backstage crew to be there for Natalie, where she works with Micah, the director's son and stage manager. It's not long before sparks start flying, but Micah has become Natalie's mentor, and Brooke doesn't want to do anything to ruin the budding relationship with the sister she's always wanted. The familial relationships outshine Brooke's romance with Micah, but this is a sweeter-than-sugar summer love story, and the behind-the-scenes theater setting is evergreen.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)