Best. Night. Ever.

May 15, 2017
For one night Lynnfield Middle School hosts the biggest event in town, the seventh-grade dance. The gym transforms into a thrilling stage for the members of all-girl band Heart Grenade. After winning the mall's Battle of the Bands, Heart Grenade will be rocking live at the dance and on local TV. However, Latina lead singer Carmen's cousin's wedding is the same night. African-American backup singer Genevieve will take Carmen's place, but she's got butterflies building in her stomach. White drummer Tess is confident her night on stage will be perfect until drama erupts between her and her rival, Mariah, another white girl and would-be drummer. Mariah's best friend, Ryan, had hoped he'd have a shot with her tonight but the Tess drama is a distraction. Shy, white Ellie is thrilled to attend the dance with her crush and even more grateful that her Korean-American stepsister, Seo-yeon (known as Ashlyn at school), will be babysitting for her. Ashlyn, though, couldn't care less about babysitting. And Jade, likely white, can barely contain her nefarious glee. When Heart Grenade "totally robbed" her band at the mall contest, she decided that revenge was the only option. There's no telling how this night will end with hearts, music, and friendship on the line. This eventful middle school dance is told from seven points of view by seven different writers. Under Malone's editorship, they pull it off with seamless chemistry and strong character building. A fun, fresh take on a classic theme. (Fiction. 9-13)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 4-7-Readers are immersed in one night of zany antics and the embarrassing moments of seven middle school narrators. Seven middle grade authors, including Alison Cherry, Gail Nall, and Ronni Arno, each write from the perspective of a different main character, all of whom are about to embark on their first school dance. The highlight of the night is a live performance by the all-girl band Heart Grenade. The lead singer is off at a family wedding, the backup singer-turned-lead has stage fright, and a girl from a different band is out to sabotage their TV debut. Miscommunication and hurt feelings abound in the days leading up to the big dance. The wallflower is tricked into thinking that she has a date, and her stepsister, upset at being grounded, drives a lawn mower with the girls she is babysitting all the way to the school. Readers will laugh as they learn of the misgivings, revenge, and eye-opening revelations that ensue. VERDICT Tweens interested in funny friendship drama will eat this one up.-Elizabeth Kahn, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA

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