Take a Bow

February 20, 2012
Fans of the musical Fame will be intrigued by this book that goes inside the walls of a prestigious, fictitious New York City performing arts high school. Eulberg (The Lonely Hearts Club) rotates among the perspectives of four promising students: Carter, a childhood star turned teen idol who is having second thoughts about his acting career; Sophie, his wannabe-diva girlfriend who basks in his limelight; Sophie’s longtime friend, Emme, a talented songwriter living in Sophie’s shadow; and Ethan, another skilled composition student, whose unrequited love for Emme has led him to make some bad decisions. The author sustains dramatic tension as she explores how her protagonists’ relationships and dreams for the future evolve during their high-pressure senior year. As the students prepare for final auditions, there are expected instances of sabotage and betrayal, but the cutthroat competitiveness is balanced by quiet, thoughtful moments of soul-searching regarding stardom, the creative process, and doing and sharing what they love. Readers who love seeing underdogs come out ahead will be delighted with the conclusion. Ages 12–18. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio.

February 1, 2012
Four students at a high school for the performing arts find that sometimes life's most important auditions happen off-stage. Told from the point of view of each of the four main characters, this narrative chronicles the unique situations affecting artists as well as the very familiar drama of high school. Emme, a talented songwriter, longs to be more than the behind-the-scenes talent. Carter, a former child star, is frustrated as the past he wants to put behind him keeps rearing its head. Sophie, a powerhouse singer, wants it all, even if it means alienating the very people she needs the most. Finally, Ethan cannot figure out how he can be so smart about music and so dumb about love. The story, based on the familiar premise of artsy teens, shows surprising depth as it tackles issues including emotional vulnerability, authenticity and betrayal. Realistic dialogue and a healthy dose of teen angst keep the pages turning. Unfortunately, Emme's and Ethan's stories quickly outpace Carter's and Sophie's, causing the story to lag even as it progresses. The ending, while predictable, is never cloying, managing to be both genuinely sweet and emotionally satisfying. Stage-worthy despite its missteps. (Fiction. 12-18)

COPYRIGHT(2012) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 1, 2012

Gr 7 Up-Welcome to the New York City High School of the Creative and Performing Arts, the most prestigious school of its kind in the country. Alternating chapters each follow a different student who wants to make the most of senior year: Carter, a former child star who questions becoming an actor; Ethan, a gifted songwriter who may never be able to express his true feelings; Sophie, a cutthroat and competitive singer who will do whatever it takes to make it to the top; and Emme, a songwriter who has always been most comfortable in the background and struggles to find the courage to take center stage. The ending offers no surprises, but getting there is half the fun. Through each teen, readers are exposed to the many ups and downs of life at a performing-arts school, and the format makes for a quick and compelling read. Although the characters can feel one-dimensional at times, readers will enjoy this lighthearted novel and the message to take chances and be true to oneself.-Rachael Myers-Ricker, Horace Mann School, Bronx, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.