The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped

Fifteen-year-old Michelle Peña is a good student and track star, living with her gay foster father. She has her sights set on a scholarship to a prestigious prep school, but is dogged by her past. She’s the offspring of gang leader parents in East L.A., and her brother, Samson, former “King” of the Snake Brothers gang, is in jail, as is their mother. Caught between two worlds, Michelle often asks herself, “Who was I anyway? The girl I was making up in my head? Track star, Ivy League–bound? Golden Child? Or... the girl I was born?” The gang’s new king has a debt to settle with Samson, who owes him drug money, resulting in the kidnapping of Michelle and her best friend. In the process, Michelle is reunited with her childhood love, Silver, and they both struggle over whether to be loyal to their gang families or break free. Adult author Murray’s YA debut is action-packed, as it raises relevant questions of identity and loyalty. This fast-paced story, heavy with street dialogue and slang, should have ample teen appeal. Ages 14–up. (Jan.)