A Sense of the Infinite

Smith (Wild Awake) explores the complexity of friendships and feelings of self-worth in a contemporary coming-of-age novel. The story, told from the point of view of high-school senior Annabeth, shows how her relationship with her best friend Noe gradually dissolves after Noe gets a boyfriend and decides to go to a different college than the one she and Annabeth had planned to attend together. Now Annabeth is left to determine who she is and what she wants after graduation, not easy when she has spent much of her life following Noe’s lead. But perhaps most challenging to Annabeth is her closely guarded secret about the father she’s never met. As Annabeth’s reliance on Noe diminishes, she gingerly opens herself up to new risks, new possibilities, and new acquaintances. Annabeth’s psychological journey is painful but insightful as she revisits significant moments from her childhood and sharpens her focus on the path before her. A convincing portrayal of an introspective teen emerging stronger and more confident as she becomes more independent. Ages 14–up. Agent: Laura Rennert, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (May)