The Disappearance of Emily H.

March 30, 2015
Raine is used to being the new girl: her mother has a pattern of dating the wrong guys and leaving town when the relationships fall apart. But as Raine starts eighth grade in the town of Yielding, N.Y., she has two additional problems. One is her supernatural ability to see “sparkles,” which hold people’s memories; these memories give Raine insight into people’s inner lives, but her habit of reaching out to grab something no one else can see brands her as a weirdo. Additionally, Raine has moved into the house of Emily Huvar, a girl who disappeared two months earlier and is presumed dead. Via the sparkles Raine learns that a bullying classmate named Jennifer, who is turning her attention on Raine and her new friend Shirlee, may have had something to do with Emily’s disappearance. Summy (the I So Don’t Do... series) realistically captures the quiet horror of bullying and the methods tormentors use to avoid adult detection. Raine’s resentment of her mother’s dating patterns is similarly believable, and the mystery of Emily’s whereabouts unfolds with gripping tension and a dramatic conclusion. Ages 10–up.

February 1, 2015
A 13-year-old who sees memories tackles the mystery of a missing girl.Starting eighth grade at Yielding Middle School, Raine knows about "all the yuck that goes along with being the new girl." Because her single mom is constantly starting over, Raine has attended five schools so far and longs to make friends, fit in and settle down. Raine's ability to see "sparkles" that convey the memories of others gives her special insights. At school, Raine quickly identifies Jennifer as leader of the mean girls who bully vulnerable classmates. She also learns that her family has moved into the house where Emily Huvar, an unpopular girl who mysteriously disappeared two months earlier, used to live. As Raine discovers things about her classmates from their "sparkles," she sees a link between Jennifer's bullying and Emily's disappearance. Eventually, Raine realizes Emily's not dead, but she's also not out of danger, which now spreads to Raine. Speaking in a colloquial, feisty, humorous first-person, Raine recounts her vulnerable longing to belong, her bold stand against class bullies and her resolve to unravel Emily's disappearance-they all ring true, despite the "sparkles." Magic exposes the extent of vicious school bullying in this arresting middle school mystery. (Magical realism. 10-14)

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February 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-Raine and her Grandma share a magical ability: they can both read memories that linger on objects. Raine's fingers tingle to touch and experience the "sparkles" of memory that she views on objects. When Raine's grandmother passes away, she and her eccentric mother settle into the town of Yielding. In her new home, Raine relives short glimpses of past memories that have occurred in the house. Little does she and her mother know that they have moved into the house of the local schoolgirl, Emily H., who disappeared weeks ago. School is burdensome as Raine deals with three cruel bullies. Her once stable life starts to unravel as she suspects that the mean girls know something about Emily's disappearance. Raine realizes she must take the risk and pick up "sparkles" from them to get to the bottom of the mystery. As she delves into their disturbing memories, she learns enough to get started on solving the disappearance of Emily. Raine grapples with bullying (both in person and online) and must defeat a dangerous pyromaniac-all to help get Emily back to her family. Themes of communication and trust build throughout the plot as Raine faces challenges. VERDICT In this mild action-adventure, readers will value the captivating, emotional roller coaster young girls experience with friendships and new beginnings.-Krista Welz, North Bergen High School, NJ

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2015
Grades 5-8 For Raine, moving to a new town is hard, but starting eighth grade in a new middle school is harder. Raine tries to keep her life on an even keel while hoping her mom won't decide to move again. But on school registration day, she spots a classic mean girl, who immediately targets Raine's new friendher only friendand things go downhill from there. Worse, after learning that a local girl who disappeared two months earlier was actually living in Raine's new house at the time, she discovers some disturbing clues that lead her into mortal danger. Raine's ability to detect and read sparkles, glittering particles visible only to her that hold memories others have unknowingly left behind, is highly useful for sleuthing, though the book's inclusion of this magical element detracts from its credibility as a mystery. Still, the plotting is sound, and the school's social scene is adroitly depicted in the vivid first-person narrative. An involving mystery thriller with a touch of fantasy and just a hint of romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)