Most Likely

February 3, 2020
In this clever mystery with romantic elements, television writer Watson keeps readers guessing as she traces the angst-filled senior year of four best friends, one of whom is destined to become president of the United States. In Cleveland, Ava Morgan, CJ Jacobson, Jordan Schafer, and Martha Custis have been a “loyal and inseparable foursome” since they met in the park before kindergarten’s start. When that park is scheduled for demolition, waylaying a senior tradition, saving the park becomes their common concern. Individual worries also plague the young women: Latinx Ava is afraid to tell her lawyer mother about her hopes for art school; white CJ’s average SAT scores might curtail her dream of attending Stanford; and Martha, a questioning white lesbian named for ancestor Martha Washington, may be stuck attending Cleveland State unless she can drum up the funds for MIT. Meanwhile, biracial (half-black, half-white) school newspaper editor Jordan, more focused on the present than the future, hides a relationship with an older man. Featuring an ethnically and socioeconomically varied cast, Watson’s well-plotted debut delicately balances humor and weighty intersectional issues. Fast-paced action and sharp-witted dialogue prove to be a winning combination, drawing out suspense all the way to the presidential reveal. Ages 12–up. Agent: Kate Schafer Testerman, kt literary.

This feel-good teen audiobook is a perfect blend of drama and intrigue. Narrator Christie Moreau introduces listeners to four friends who have been together since kindergarten--Ava, CJ, Jordan, and Martha. Now an adult, one of them is moments away from being sworn in as the next president of the United States. But which one it is remains a mystery to be revealed after each girl's strengths and personality is revealed. The talented Moreau's youthful voice is realistic and casual, emphasizing the endearing dialogue and empowering friendships. She paces the frequent narration changes well, but distinguishing each character's backstory can be difficult at first. Regardless, listeners will be rooting for all the amazing girls in this uplifting story. E.P. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

July 1, 2020

Gr 7 Up-This story opens with a mysterious woman about to be inaugurated U.S. president. Listeners are given only her married last name. Then we jump back in time, to the senior year of high school for four girls. One of these girls will be the future president, but it is left to the listener to guess throughout the story which one it will be, until the reveal in the last chapter. Best friends since kindergarten, the girls are distinctly different, with each having her own special talent (artist, journalist, volunteer extraordinaire, scientifically brilliant) as well as baggage to overcome. Christie Moreau narrates engagingly with a youthful voice. Chapters are done from multiple third-person viewpoints, without much voice differentiation among characters. High school life is realistically portrayed with its ever-changing dynamics of relationships, stress about the future, and feelings of social inadequacy. Moreau's range handles the lively dialogue and fast pacing as well as capably reflecting the wonder of first love, along with the angst and nostalgia of senior year. VERDICT Give this to fans of touching coming-of-age stories who like a drop of mystery added. -Julie Paladino, formerly with East Chapel Hill H.S., NC

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