Two Roads from Here

April 10, 2017
In a novel addressing the age-old question of fate versus free will, Steinkellner (Trash Can Days) places five teens at crossroads. football star Brian needs to decide whether to quit the team after receiving two serious head injuries. Allegra isn’t sure if she should accept a scholarship to Stanford and abandon her needy family. Wiley, who’s in love with Allegra, is trying to find the courage to admit his feelings; dance team member Nikki is pondering whether to go all the way with her boyfriend; and thespian Cole is contemplating a scheme to cheat on the SATs. Structured as two separate stories in one, the novel reveals what happens when the characters make one decision, then what happens when they make the other. Is one choice more “right” than another? Will the teens end up in the same place regardless of what they choose? The philosophical answers will pique readers’ interest, but keeping track of the characters and their various options amid the switching realities may prove a challenge for some. Ages 14–up. Agent: Alex Glass, Glass Literary Management.

April 15, 2017
Five high school seniors face major choices.White, fat lineman Brian Mack has a concussion; should he play in the big game or quit the team in order to prevent further injury? Mexican-American Allegra Rey has been accepted to Stanford, but her mother is terminally ill; should she stay home or go to college? White detention-dweller Wiley Otis is Allegra's best friend, and he's been in love with her for years; does he tell her and risk losing her friendship? White girl Nikki Foxworth loves her boyfriend, but should she have sex with him? Black, gay, "deviously bitchtastic" Cole Martin-Hammer wants desperately to get into an elite school; will he cheat on the SAT in order to achieve his dream? Deeply drawn characters and skillful use of multiple first-person narratives take readers down two possible paths, "Road One" and "Road Two." Nikki confronts sexism and double standards head-on by refusing to be prude- or slut-shamed. Cole is a gossipy cliche, but he's redeemed by a gradual maturity. Unquestioned by characters or the text, Wiley's behavior indicates he believes he's earned romantic status because he's been a good pal to Allegra; this can be problematic. "Destiny or decision?" The answer may be unknowable, but Steinkellner gives readers something to think about. (Fiction. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2017

Gr 9 Up-A middle grade author ventures into YA territory with his latest realistic novel. Follow the stories of Brian, Allegra, Wiley, and Nikki as they navigate their senior year of high school. Brian loves football, but when he sustains an unexpected head injury, should he play in the big game? Allegra is accepted to Stanford, but will she go? Wiley loves his best friend, but should he tell her? Nikki has a mistake in her past that she's running from-will she choose to please others or herself? This novel asks the eternal question, do we control our destiny by our choices, or is our fate predetermined? Readers will be completely drawn in by the unique text structure of this story. Steinkellner follows a pattern reminiscent of a "Choose Your Own Adventure" format, where teens see the story through two totally different threads. The narrative alternates between "Road One" and "Road Two" scenarios, where events in the plot change based on the characters' choices. Those who enjoyed Susan Beth Pfeffer's Life as We Knew It or Emery Lord's When We Collided will be captivated by this title's alternating character views and dramatic plotlines. VERDICT A must-have coming-of-age story that will resonate with all types of YA readers.-Elizabeth Pelayo, St. Charles East High School, IL

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.